Greece is facing an unprecedented migrant crisis, prompting swift government actions as arrivals on its islands dramatically surge, raising concerns about humanitarian conditions and international response.
Greece Halts Asylum Applications Amid Migrant Surge from North Africa
Greece Halts Asylum Applications Amid Migrant Surge from North Africa
In response to a dramatic influx of migrants, Greece has temporarily suspended asylum applications from North Africa, intensifying its border controls.
Greece has officially suspended processing asylum applications for migrants from North Africa for the next three months due to a significant spike in arrivals. Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the emergency measure, stating that those arriving by boat will be apprehended and detained, as Greece aims to send a message to human traffickers and potential migrants alike. He emphasized that the government's actions are reminiscent of the legal measures employed in 2020 to manage migration along its land border with Turkey.
In recent weeks, the Greek islands, particularly Crete and Gavdos, have witnessed a staggering increase of over 350% in migrant arrivals compared to the previous year. Reports indicate that more than 9,000 migrants have landed since the beginning of 2025, with over 2,000 arriving in just a few days. With the situation described as "suffocating" by local officials, the Coast Guard is struggling to manage the influx, leading to emergency accommodations being set up in a crowded market hall for several hundred individuals, including families with small children.
Authorities are grappling with the logistics of safely redistributing migrants to other regions, a process hindered by the current tourist season which limits transportation options. Meanwhile, ministerial discussions in Libya aimed at curbing migrant departures faced obstacles when the local government denied entry to European officials.
Mitsotakis has indicated readiness for cooperation with Libyan authorities to prevent boats from setting sail, despite criticisms from NGOs regarding the treatment of migrants returned to Libya. Amnesty International denounced the strategy as a violation of human rights, highlighting the appalling conditions faced by those intercepted by the Libyan coastguard.
As the crisis continues to unfold, Greece's position reflects a broader European struggle with migration management and humanitarian concerns.
In recent weeks, the Greek islands, particularly Crete and Gavdos, have witnessed a staggering increase of over 350% in migrant arrivals compared to the previous year. Reports indicate that more than 9,000 migrants have landed since the beginning of 2025, with over 2,000 arriving in just a few days. With the situation described as "suffocating" by local officials, the Coast Guard is struggling to manage the influx, leading to emergency accommodations being set up in a crowded market hall for several hundred individuals, including families with small children.
Authorities are grappling with the logistics of safely redistributing migrants to other regions, a process hindered by the current tourist season which limits transportation options. Meanwhile, ministerial discussions in Libya aimed at curbing migrant departures faced obstacles when the local government denied entry to European officials.
Mitsotakis has indicated readiness for cooperation with Libyan authorities to prevent boats from setting sail, despite criticisms from NGOs regarding the treatment of migrants returned to Libya. Amnesty International denounced the strategy as a violation of human rights, highlighting the appalling conditions faced by those intercepted by the Libyan coastguard.
As the crisis continues to unfold, Greece's position reflects a broader European struggle with migration management and humanitarian concerns.
