247 Migrants Transferred from Crete to Detention Centers in Lavrio

Lavrio, Greece – July 20, 2025
At 10:00 AM today, the Greek Coast Guard’s Offshore Vessel 080 docked at the port of Lavrio, transporting 247 migrants who illegally entered Greece from Libya. The group, intercepted in five separate incidents over the past 24 hours in the sea area south of Gavdos and Crete, was immediately transferred to detention centers under a new legal framework passed by the Greek Parliament.

The recently enacted amendment suspends asylum applications for migrants entering illegally from Libya. As a result, these individuals are placed directly into detention and face return procedures. They will not be hosted in Ministry of Migration reception facilities nor granted freedom of movement.

Upon arrival in Lavrio, the migrants were transported by police to PROKEKA (Pre-departure Detention Centers for Foreigners). The Ministry of Migration has allocated additional facilities to the police to serve as detention centers for future illegal arrivals. A Ministry official stated, “The government’s message is clear: those entering illegally from Libya will not apply for asylum, will receive a return order, and will remain in detention until their return.”

Additional Rescue Operation off Gavdos
In a separate operation, the Coast Guard and Frontex, coordinated by the Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Center (E.K.S.E.D.), rescued 63 migrants from a boat south of Gavdos. The group was brought to the port of Karave in Gavdos, awaiting further instructions on their transfer.

This follows reports of 175 migrants arriving in Crete from Libya in three incidents on Saturday morning, highlighting the ongoing migration challenges in the region.

Government’s Stance
The new policy reflects Greece’s tougher stance on illegal migration. Authorities emphasize that the same detention and return procedures will apply to all future illegal arrivals from Libya, signaling a shift toward stricter border control measures.

More details on the policy and its implications will be provided as the situation develops.