In a decisive move, Greece has announced a temporary suspension of asylum applications from North Africa as the nation grapples with a significant increase in migrant arrivals, marking a 350% surge since the start of the year.
Greece Halts Asylum Applications Amid Migrant Surge from North Africa
Greece Halts Asylum Applications Amid Migrant Surge from North Africa
Greece suspends asylum processing for migrants from North Africa for three months in response to rising entry numbers by sea.
Greece has initiated a three-month halt on processing asylum requests from North Africa following a notable rise in migrant entries. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis revealed that migrants arriving by boat will face arrest and detention, aiming to deter traffickers and potential migrants seeking to reach Greece. "This emergency situation requires emergency response measures," he stated, referencing similar actions taken in 2020 to curb crossings from Turkey.
Mitsotakis’s assertion comes on the heels of increasing migrant landings on Crete and Gavdos, with over 2,000 migrants arriving in recent days alone. As reported, this year alone has seen a total of approximately 9,000 migrants land on Crete, a staggering increase from previous years. Vasilis Katsikandarakis, head of the Western Crete Coast Guard Personnel Association, voiced concerns over the overwhelming pressure on resources and personnel, urging that "immigration is suffocating us."
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis reported that the influx is "growing and ongoing," causing significant strain on local accommodations. Some migrants have even been temporarily housed in a sweltering market hall, highlighting the urgent need for improved logistics and redistribution, especially during the tourist season when transport options are limited.
In an attempt to address the issue at its source, Greek, Italian, and Maltese ministers, alongside the EU's migration commissioner, traveled to Libya to strategize on curbing migrant departures. However, their mission was thwarted when the Libyan Government of National Stability prevented their entry, citing sovereignty concerns. Regardless, Mitsotakis indicated that the Greek army remains ready to act in cooperation with Libyan authorities to prevent vessel departures.
Despite these measures, NGOs have criticized the European governments' approach, citing the inhumane treatment that many migrants endure upon interception by the Libyan coastguard. Amnesty International has condemned attempts to halt departures, asserting that they compromise the dignity and lives of refugees and migrants.
Mitsotakis’s assertion comes on the heels of increasing migrant landings on Crete and Gavdos, with over 2,000 migrants arriving in recent days alone. As reported, this year alone has seen a total of approximately 9,000 migrants land on Crete, a staggering increase from previous years. Vasilis Katsikandarakis, head of the Western Crete Coast Guard Personnel Association, voiced concerns over the overwhelming pressure on resources and personnel, urging that "immigration is suffocating us."
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis reported that the influx is "growing and ongoing," causing significant strain on local accommodations. Some migrants have even been temporarily housed in a sweltering market hall, highlighting the urgent need for improved logistics and redistribution, especially during the tourist season when transport options are limited.
In an attempt to address the issue at its source, Greek, Italian, and Maltese ministers, alongside the EU's migration commissioner, traveled to Libya to strategize on curbing migrant departures. However, their mission was thwarted when the Libyan Government of National Stability prevented their entry, citing sovereignty concerns. Regardless, Mitsotakis indicated that the Greek army remains ready to act in cooperation with Libyan authorities to prevent vessel departures.
Despite these measures, NGOs have criticized the European governments' approach, citing the inhumane treatment that many migrants endure upon interception by the Libyan coastguard. Amnesty International has condemned attempts to halt departures, asserting that they compromise the dignity and lives of refugees and migrants.
