Is the indiscriminate detention of irregular migrants a cost - effective policy tool?

Greece has adopted since 2010 a new policy to manage its irregular migrant population and reinforce
the EU external borders, which relies heavily on the use of detention. Under this new action plan all
migrants detected for irregular entry or residence in Greece, including asylum seekers, are
systematically placed in detention — a direct consequence of their irregular status. Combined with
wide-scale police operations this practice has led to the widespread detention of undocumented
migrants throughout the country. In support of this new policy, a recent advisory opinion
of the Greek Legal Council gave the green light to the authorities to prolong detention even beyond the maximum 18-month time-limit set by the EU Returns Directive; until the detainee has “consented” to be
returned.
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Language(s): Englisch / English
Region(s): Griechenland / Türkei, Europäische Union