The challenges that Europe faces, with regard to controlling irregular migration and providing protection to people in need, are complex. Greece’s policy for irregular migration control includes arrest and return (through voluntary, semi-voluntary or indeed forced return schemes) combined with regular detention of apprehended undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers whose case is pending. The present policy brief  examines the legality of detention, particularly in light of the recent decision by the Greek Legal Council to extend detention indefinitely for irregular migrants, until they consent to return their home countries.

MIDAS Policy BriefDetention as Punishment: Can indefinite detention be Greece’s main policy tool to manage its irregular migrant population?