Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that Greece will suspend asylum application processing for migrants arriving by sea from Africa, citing a sharp rise in arrivals to Crete.
“This is an emergency response to an emergency situation,” Mitsotakis told parliament following an emergency meeting with Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris.
The measure will remain in effect for three months. All unauthorized arrivals will be arrested and detained, he said, aiming to send a strong message to smugglers and migrants attempting illegal entry.
A draft bill introducing stricter migration rules is set to be submitted to parliament Thursday. The plan includes the construction of a closed detention center on Crete.
The Hellenic Coast Guard reported more than 740 migrant arrivals to the island since Tuesday. Authorities said over 9,000 have reached Crete so far in 2025 — a 350% increase from the same period last year.