In a decisive move prompted by a dramatic increase in migrant entries, Greece has announced the suspension of asylum processing for migrants hailing from North Africa for a duration of three months. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis outlined the decision as a necessary measure to deter human traffickers and manage escalating arrivals to southern Greek islands. Over 9,000 migrants have landed on Crete alone this year, marking a staggering 350% increase from the previous year. Authorities face logistical challenges with temporary accommodations overflowing, as they work to navigate the busy summer tourist season.
Greece Halts Asylum Applications Amid Surge of Migrant Arrivals
Greece Halts Asylum Applications Amid Surge of Migrant Arrivals
Greece's government implements a three-month suspension on asylum applications for North African migrants in response to rising boat arrivals.
The announcement comes as a response to the considerable rise in migrant arrivals on the Greek islands, particularly Crete and Gavdos. Prime Minister Mitsotakis indicated that the government’s stance sends a clear message to traffickers, noting, “The money they spend may be completely wasted, because it will be difficult to reach Greece by sea." The suspension of asylum applications reflects a similar legal approach the country adopted in 2020 to handle surges at its land border with Turkey.
The recent influx has resulted in the landing of over 2,000 migrants in just a few days, prompting the government to declare an emergency situation. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris reinforced this sentiment on social media, urging potential migrants to remain in their home countries. Compounding the crisis, local authorities have struggled to accommodate the growing number of incoming individuals, with reports highlighting that hundreds are being temporarily housed in unsuitable conditions, such as a congested market hall.
As the situation escalates, Greek, Italian, and Maltese officials sought to address the crisis during discussions in Libya, but their efforts were thwarted when local authorities refused access. Mitsotakis affirmed that the Greek military is poised to collaborate with Libyan officials to curb the departures from the Libyan coastline. Non-governmental organizations have sharply criticized these collaborations, labeling them as a violation of migrants' dignity and safety. Amnesty International condemned the ongoing efforts that disregard the human rights of those attempting to escape dire conditions in their home countries, pointing out the harsh realities faced by migrants returned to Libyan detention centers.
The recent influx has resulted in the landing of over 2,000 migrants in just a few days, prompting the government to declare an emergency situation. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris reinforced this sentiment on social media, urging potential migrants to remain in their home countries. Compounding the crisis, local authorities have struggled to accommodate the growing number of incoming individuals, with reports highlighting that hundreds are being temporarily housed in unsuitable conditions, such as a congested market hall.
As the situation escalates, Greek, Italian, and Maltese officials sought to address the crisis during discussions in Libya, but their efforts were thwarted when local authorities refused access. Mitsotakis affirmed that the Greek military is poised to collaborate with Libyan officials to curb the departures from the Libyan coastline. Non-governmental organizations have sharply criticized these collaborations, labeling them as a violation of migrants' dignity and safety. Amnesty International condemned the ongoing efforts that disregard the human rights of those attempting to escape dire conditions in their home countries, pointing out the harsh realities faced by migrants returned to Libyan detention centers.
