Summary
Greece has stopped processing asylum applications from North African migrants for three months because of a big increase in arrivals. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that arrivals by boat will be arrested and detained as part of measures to handle the influx. Over 9,000 migrants have reached Crete this year, a significant rise from last year.
Key Facts
- Greece paused asylum applications from North African migrants for three months.
- The decision was made due to a 350% rise in migrant arrivals to Crete.
- Migrants arriving by boat will be arrested and detained, according to the Prime Minister.
- The Greek government plans to introduce draft legislation in response.
- Over 9,000 migrants have arrived on Crete since the start of the year.
- Local infrastructure in Crete is struggling to accommodate the large number of arrivals.
- Greek, Italian, and Maltese officials were stopped from entering Libya for discussions on migration.
- There are ongoing criticisms of European deals with Libya regarding migrant control.
