Greece’s conservative government on Thursday announced a new restriction to its migration policy aimed at deterring long-term stays of undocumented migrants.

Migration Minister Makis Voridis pledged to abolish a law that allows undocumented migrants to apply for residence permits after seven years in the country.According to a draft law presented on Wednesday in a cabinet meeting, illegal entry and residence will carry penalties of up to five years in prison.

“There must be consequences for those who remain in the country without the right to do so,” said Voridis, who led a far-right political group before joining the ruling conservative New Democracy party led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The longer the undocumented migrant stays, the harsher the penalty will be, warned the minister. “From now on, anyone in Greece illegally will never be regularised or granted a residence permit,” he warned.

Each year, 55,000 to 65,000 people enter Greece illegally, and nearly half secure asylum, he noted.Last year, Greek police arrested 74,000 undocumented migrants, but only 2,500 were deported, Voridis said during an interview with private broadcaster Skai.

Administrative detention before deportation will be extended to a maximum of two years, up from the current limit of 18 months. Migrants without residence permits can opt for voluntary repatriation to avoid penalties.

Since coming to power in 2019, the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis has strengthened checks at Greece’s land and sea borders, which serve as major entry points into Europe for people fleeing conflict and poverty.

Greece has faced frequent accusations from international organisations in recent years over alleged illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers.