Greece cracks down on illegal boat migrants after asylum suspension

In Greece, recent actions by the government highlight an intensified approach to immigration, focusing particularly on individuals attempting to enter the country illegally from North Africa. Over the weekend, Greek authorities apprehended a total of 247 boat migrants, largely occurring around the islands of Gavdos and Crete, as they sought to make their way from Libya to Greece via perilous sea routes. This significant roundup formed part of the broader response that sees the country grappling with an escalating influx of migrants, which has nearly quadrupled compared to previous years, prompting urgent policy alterations by the conservative administration. The Greek government, under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has taken considerable measures to suspend asylum requests from migrants arriving from North Africa for a minimum of three months. This decision is aimed at managing the surging numbers, which reached over 7,000 arrivals by boat in 2025 alone. The Prime Minister expressed the necessity of this action by portraying Greece not as an open gateway to Europe but as a nation facing increasing challenges due to irregular migration flows. As a result, any migrants who cross into Greece illegally during this suspension period will be placed in detention centers and face expedited removal processes rather than being granted the chance to apply for asylum. The government’s approach reflects a shift towards stricter migration policies, which also includes impending legislation aimed at imprisoning illegal migrants who refuse to leave the country. These legislative changes underscore a broader strategy to prevent individuals who enter Greece without due process from attaining legal status, even if they subsequently express intentions to apply for asylum. The situation escalates concerns regarding human rights and the treatment of migrants within the region, given that only a fraction are expected to remain within the bounds of Greek law. With the increasing numbers of migrants arriving by boat, the Greek authorities are reinforcing control measures, including the construction of a substantial wall along the land border with Turkey. This physical barrier serves as an additional tactic to deter unauthorized crossings and reflects the escalating urgency of the crisis. As the EU continues to grapple with the migration challenges, Greece is positioning itself strategically to fortify its borders while navigating the complex legal and humanitarian implications of such policies.