Greece Offers Cash Bonuses to Lawyers for Convincing Asylum Seekers to Return Home – New Incentive Scheme Sparks Controversy

Greece offers cash bonuses to lawyers for convincing asylum seekers from low-recognition countries to return home, sparking ethical controversy.

Athens, 5 July 2026 — In a move that has sparked intense debate about ethics and impartiality in the legal profession, the Greek government will now pay lawyers a cash bonus if they successfully persuade certain asylum seekers to withdraw their applications and return to their countries of origin.

The controversial incentive, part of Greece’s efforts to align with the EU’s Asylum and Migration Pact, was introduced through a joint ministerial decision published on June 30 and made public on July 2.

How the Bonus Scheme Works

• Lawyers providing free government-funded legal advice to asylum seekers can receive an additional €250 (plus VAT) for each migrant they advise who decides to opt for voluntary return instead of pursuing an asylum claim.

• This bonus is on top of the standard €160 (plus VAT) fee paid for each case where they provide legal assistance.

• The incentive applies specifically to applicants from countries considered “safe” with low recognition rates (below 20%), such as Egypt and Bangladesh, whose claims are often rejected.

The free legal services include general information on the asylum process, rights and obligations, deadlines, and voluntary return programs — but not personalised legal representation or help filling out applications.

Government Rationale

Greek authorities argue the scheme is necessary due to a sharp rise in arrivals from countries with low asylum approval rates. Processing these claims still requires months of public funding for shelter, food, and care, even in expedited cases.

By encouraging voluntary returns early, the government hopes to reduce costs and ease pressure on the asylum system.

Concerns Raised by Critics

The policy has raised serious questions about the impartiality of lawyers who are paid by the state. Critics argue that offering financial incentives to discourage asylum applications could compromise the independence and ethical standards expected of legal professionals.

Similar schemes are reportedly being introduced in Italy, suggesting a broader trend across parts of Europe.

Broader Context of Greece’s Asylum Policy

Greece continues to face significant migration pressure as one of the main entry points into the EU. In the first six months of 2026, more than 15,000 migrants arrived irregularly by sea, many landing on the island of Crete. In 2025, roughly 49,000 people entered Greece irregularly.

The new law also includes provisions that lawyers appointed for free legal aid cannot later represent the same asylum seekers on a paid basis, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest.

Reactions and Implications

• Supporters say the measure helps manage unsustainable asylum backlogs and directs resources more efficiently.

• Critics, including NGOs and human rights groups, worry it undermines the right to seek asylum and pressures vulnerable individuals into returning to unsafe conditions.

The Greek government maintains that all applicants will still receive accurate information about their rights, and the scheme is only one part of a wider strategy to balance humanitarian obligations with practical border management.

For the latest Greece asylum policy updates, EU Migration Pact implementation news, voluntary return programs, and 2026 European immigration developments, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/greece