Greece began detaining the migrants arriving from North Africa who have been rescued off Crete after Athens suspended the asylum procedures amidst a significant increase in migrant flows from Libya.
Over the weekend, more than 200 migrants who were rescued south of Crete and Gavdos were transferred to the mainland. Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris announced on the social media platform X that all rescued migrants will eventually be deported.
Traditionally, reception centers provide housing and food for migrants, allowing them freedom of movement. However, recent arrivals will not be directed to these facilities.
Minister Plevris clarified:
“The illegal immigrants who entered from Libya in the last few hours were arrested by the coast guard, they do not have the right to apply for asylum, they will not be taken to accommodation facilities, but will be detained by the police until the process of their return is initiated. The Ministry of Immigration is assisting the entire effort and is setting up additional detention facilities in its structures.”
“We are not a hotel anymore”: Greece’s stance on migrants
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Thanos Plevris articulated Greece’s firm stance:
“The Greeks, like the rest of Europe, want to help real refugees, but we will not be taken for fools. It is the end of the fairy tale that those coming to Greece and Europe in incredible numbers are all women and children. They are mainly men aged between 18 and 30 who are economic migrants. We are not a hotel any more.”
“Many are from safe countries, such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh,” he added, highlighting the origin of many arrivals. “Now we are telling them that if you sail in illegally by boat to Greece, do not expect asylum but get ready for five years in jail or a ticket home instead.”
Over 7,000 have arrived on Crete and nearby Gavdos since the beginning of the year, compared with 4,935 in 2024.
UN, rights groups condemn asylum pause
Greece’s three-month asylum ban for migrants from Libya and other North African countries has been condemned by the UN and rights groups. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned recently that the legislation risks breaching international law and undermining the country’s longstanding commitment to protecting those fleeing conflict and persecution. While acknowledging the strain of managing new arrivals, UNHCR said such measures must remain within the boundaries of international and European law.
Rights groups have emphasized that the countries of origin of arrivals from North Africa include those with some of the highest refugee recognition rates in Greece, including Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Palestine. Additionally, among the arrivals are many individuals who are in urgent need of specific protection, such as unaccompanied children and survivors of sexual violence.
Related: Greece’s Asylum Ban: ‘Violation of International Law and Political Responsibility’
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