Greece has suspended asylum applications from North African nationals for three months following a sharp increase in migrant arrivals by sea.
Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that all new arrivals from the region will be arrested and detained, describing the situation as an emergency requiring urgent measures.
“We are sending a message of determination—to traffickers and their customers—that the money they spend may be wasted, because reaching Greece by sea will be extremely difficult,” Mitsotakis said.
The Greek government says the legal basis for this suspension is similar to that used in 2020, when Greece blocked thousands of migrants attempting to cross its land border with Turkey.
Draft legislation outlining the new measures is expected to be submitted to parliament on Thursday.
“Clear message: stay where you are, we do not accept you,” Migration Minister Thanos Plevris wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Massive Spike in Arrivals
The announcement comes amid a dramatic rise in migrant landings on Greece’s southern islands, particularly Crete and Gavdos. More than 2,000 migrants landed on Crete in recent days, and another 520 were rescued off its coast early Wednesday. Since January 2025, the number of arrivals has reached 9,000—a 350% increase compared to last year.
“Immigration is suffocating us… Our personnel are literally on their knees,” said Vasilis Katsikandarakis, president of the Western Crete Coast Guard Personnel Association.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis described the migrant flow as “very high,” and warned it is “growing and ongoing.”
Overwhelmed Infrastructure
According to state broadcaster ERT, accommodation infrastructure in Crete is stretched to its limits. Several hundred migrants, including 30 families with young children and infants, are temporarily housed in an overcrowded market hall under sweltering conditions.
Efforts to relocate migrants elsewhere in the country are hampered by limited transport options, as buses and ferries are largely in use due to the ongoing tourist season.
EU Delegation Blocked from Libya Visit
In an attempt to address the crisis at its source, Greek, Italian, and Maltese ministers, along with the EU Migration Commissioner, traveled to Libya this week. However, they were blocked from entering by the Government of National Stability (GNS)—a rival faction to the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU)—which accused them of violating Libyan sovereignty.
Despite this setback, Mitsotakis said the Greek army is prepared to cooperate with Libyan authorities to prevent migrant boats from leaving the Libyan coast.
Rights Concerns
Human rights groups have condemned EU efforts to partner with Libyan authorities, citing reports that migrants intercepted by the Libyan coastguard are often returned to detention camps, where they face inhumane conditions and abuse.
“Attempts to stop departures at any cost show a complete disregard for the lives and dignity of migrants and refugees,” Amnesty International said.
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