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Reactions and Amendments to DISY Proposal Regarding Criminal Deportation

Published March 11, 2026, 17:12
Reactions and Amendments to DISY Proposal Regarding Criminal Deportation

The Legal Service, relevant services and organizations expressed concerns regarding the DISY proposal for the criminal deportation of foreigners who commit serious offenses, during the discussion in the Parliamentary Legal Committee. The Committee President, Nikos Tornaritis, stated that suggestions and objections have been submitted and that coordination between relevant bodies is required to reach a comprehensive proposal. The bill concerns the establishment of judicial deportation of foreigners as an alternative sentence in case of conviction for serious offenses. The Legal Service expressed concern about the potential overlap with existing administrative deportation procedures, which are already considered effective. The Deputy Ministry of Migration and the Aliens and Immigration Service (YAM) proposed amendments, such as not recording criminal offenses and ensuring equal treatment. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) requested clarifications regarding the principle of non-refoulement, the prohibition of deportation of minors, and the consideration of family unity. The discussion is ongoing and the approval of the bill is not certain before the closure of Parliament.