Greece grants citizenship to the children of immigrants.

With 179 votes in favor, 106 against, and 16 abstentions, the Greek Parliament on June 24 passed a bill granting citizenship to children of immigrants born and raised in the country.

Afghan migrants arrive off the coast of Kos, Greece, after crossing the Aegean Sea between Türkiye and Greece. (Source: AFP/VNA)

The bill, presented to parliament by Greek Immigration Minister Tasia Christodoulopoulou, was passed with the support of the ruling left-wing radical Syriza party, as well as the Social Democratic Party Pasok and the center-left Potami group.

Speaking before parliament, Minister Christodoulopoulou affirmed that despite the difficulties, immigrants should continue to stay in Greece, and their children will also have the right to become citizens of the country.

According to some migration experts, the passage of the aforementioned bill marks a significant step forward for Athens, reversing the government's previous xenophobic and unjust decisions, and helping to resolve a long-standing issue.

The draft law is expected to be discussed in more detail this week.

Xenophobic sentiment is increasingly spreading in Greece – one of the main gateways for migrants seeking to illegally enter Europe – amidst the country's debt crisis.

According to VIETNAM+