Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris has issued a circular replacing the term “irregular migration” with “illegal migration” in all official documents, ministry sources said on Friday.

The change, the sources said, is intended to reflect the new legal framework distinguishing between lawful and unlawful residence in the country.

The circular also instructs authorities to inform all asylum seekers in reception centers that, if their applications are rejected, they may face administrative detention of up to 24 months and a prison sentence of two to five years.

“The only way to avoid serving the sentence is voluntary return to their country of origin,” ministry sources said, adding that the circular aims to clearly outline the measures provided under the new legislation.