On Saturday, 216 migrants were rescued from the open seas south of Crete and Gavdos, Greek authorities reported. The group, originating from Libya, was retrieved by commercial vessels and the Greek Coast Guard amid a recent surge in migrant arrivals from the North African country.
Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris announced on X that all 216 migrants will be deported. “The illegal migrants who entered from Libya were detained by the Coast Guard and are not eligible to apply for asylum,” Plevris stated. “They will not be transferred to reception centers but will remain in police custody until their deportation process is completed.”
Due to the increased migrant flows from Libya, Greece has temporarily halted asylum applications, a move that has drawn criticism from EU officials. Unlike reception centers, which provide housing and food while allowing migrants freedom of movement, recent arrivals are being held in detention.
Plevris had previously pledged to establish a permanent detention center in Crete but faced local opposition. He now plans to set up one or more temporary camps instead.
Original Greek statement by Plevris:
«Οι παράνομοι μετανάστες που εισήλθαν από τη Λιβύη τις τελευταίες ώρες συνελήφθησαν από το λιμενικό, δεν έχουν δικαίωμα υποβολής ασύλου, δεν θα οδηγηθούν σε χώρους φιλοξενίας, αλλά θα κρατηθούν έγκλειστοι από την αστυνομία έως ότου κινηθεί η διαδικασία της επιστροφής τους.»
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