Greece Halts Asylum Process Amidst Migrant Surge from North Africa

In an effort to address a dramatic increase in migrant arrivals, Greece has temporarily halted the processing of asylum applications from North Africa for three months. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced this policy shift, stating that migrants arriving by boat would be arrested and detained. Greece aims to deter traffickers and potential migrants, asserting that their financial investment in reaching its borders may prove fruitless. Mitsotakis, pointing to the legal precedent set in 2020 to curb border crossings from Turkey, emphasized the necessity for emergency response measures amidst the crisis.

Recent reports highlight a staggering 350% increase in migrant arrivals to Crete since the beginning of this year, with over 9,000 migrants landing on the island already. The island’s authorities are struggling to manage the situation, as overcrowding has forced some individuals into makeshift accommodations. Local officials have expressed alarm over the logistical challenges of resettling migrants due to the ongoing tourist season, which restricts transportation options.

Efforts by Greek, Italian, and Maltese ministers to address the migration issue by visiting Libya were thwarted by local authorities who accused them of infringing on national sovereignty. Despite this, Mitsotakis affirmed the Greek military's readiness to cooperate with Libyan officials to prevent migrant departures. Criticism from NGOs persists regarding European governments' partnerships with Libya, given the allegations of mistreatment faced by returned migrants. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International denounce these strategies, arguing they reflect a disregard for the fundamental rights and dignity of migrants and refugees.