Greece Suspends Asylum for North African Migrants Amidst Rising Arrivals
Greece has announced a temporary suspension of asylum application processing for migrants originating from North Africa. This decision, effective immediately for three months, comes in response to a significant surge in migrant arrivals, particularly on the islands of Crete and Gavdos.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that individuals arriving by boat from North Africa will be subject to arrest and detention. He emphasized that Greece is sending a clear message to traffickers and potential migrants that attempting to reach Greece by sea may be futile. "This emergency situation requires emergency response measures," Mitsotakis declared.
The Greek government intends to present draft legislation to parliament on Thursday, formalizing these measures. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris conveyed a stark message on social media: "Clear message: stay where you are, we do not accept you."
The decision follows a dramatic increase in migrant arrivals, especially on Crete. Since the beginning of the year, over 9,000 migrants have landed on the island, with over 2,000 arriving in recent days alone. A further 520 were rescued off the coast on Wednesday. Vasilis Katsikandarakis, president of the Western Crete Coast Guard Personnel Association, reported a staggering 350% increase compared to last year, stating, "Immigration is suffocating us... Our personnel are literally on their knees."
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis acknowledged the growing wave of arrivals, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by authorities in Crete. Public broadcaster ERT reports that the current accommodation infrastructure is severely strained, forcing authorities to temporarily house several hundred people in a market hall.
The Greek government previously implemented similar measures in 2020 to prevent migrants from crossing the land border with Turkey. The current suspension aims to address the escalating situation and deter further irregular migration from North Africa.