In a significant shift in migration policy, Greece is implementing stringent new measures to deter irregular migrant flows, particularly from Libya.
On Thursday morning, Minister of Immigration Thanos Plevris elaborated on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ recent announcements, revealing plans to drastically reduce benefits for illegal migrants and impose stricter detention protocols.
Plevris criticizes current “hotel-style” menu for migrants
“I have ordered that all benefits given to foreigners be reviewed,” Minister Plevris declared on SKAI, adding, “Greece is proceeding with a drastic reduction in benefits.” He specifically criticized the current “hotel-style” menu and allowances provided in migrant structures. “The Immigration Ministry is not a hotel,” Plevris asserted, expressing a desire to halt the practice of providing allowances if individuals are unwilling to work.
Further disincentives include a new policy that presumes any migrant who refuses an age-verification medical check to be an adult. Plevris stated that, following an asylum rejection, continued stay will henceforth constitute a criminal offense, leading to a five-year imprisonment sentence without payment, with cooperation for deportation being the sole possibility for release. He noted that, currently, “half of those who come do not receive asylum, and of these, 60 percent are men aged 18 to 30.”
The Minister singled out Libya as a major concern due to the arrival of “large boats.” Following Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ announcements, the key change is the imposition of detention for up to 18 months for those arriving from Libya.
The aim is to make the journey to Greece a strong disincentive—particularly for those crossing from Tobruk—by ensuring that those who manage to arrive do not feel encouraged and send the message: “We got in, they put me on a bus, and I’ll find a way to leave.”
Greece suspends asylum for migrants
Prime Minister Mitsotakis codified these interventions in Parliament, announcing a minimum three-month suspension of asylum applications for those arriving from Libya. These individuals will now be treated as prisoners and directed to closed centers in the hinterland, such as Malakasa, bypassing relocation to Crete and instead being directly transported from Lavrion port to structures where movement and mobile phone use will be restricted.
The government also plans to establish at least one new closed center on Crete, likely in Kastelli, Heraklion.
Plevris underscored the urgency, stating, “Europe is at a critical juncture…We must turn the whole spirit of operation around because tomorrow you could have a crisis anywhere. You must move to a stricter surveillance framework.”
He delivered a firm message, saying:
“We will not tolerate an invasion from Africa with continuous boats, and this is a message to Europe. What is happening in North Africa is not a normal migratory flow. The 3 million who are there want to come to Europe. Do we in Europe want to replace our population?”
The government’s clear message in terms of illegal migration in Greece is one of determination: “The passage to Greece is closing.” This aims to deter traffickers and their potential clients by ensuring their investment in the journey is “completely wasted.”
Related: Crete Overwhelmed: Migrant Arrivals Surge by 350%, Facilities at Breaking Point
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