Greece Halts Asylum Applications Amid Surge in Migrant Arrivals

Greece has temporarily suspended the acceptance of asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, following a recent amendment approved by the Parliament in Athens. After a two-day debate, 177 members voted in favor of the new law, while 74 opposed it. The Greek government has informed the European Union Commission regarding this decision, which is primarily aimed at deterring further maritime migration. The suspension is set to be in place for an initial period of three months. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized in the parliamentary debate that the new measures signify a strong message to traffickers: "The path to Greece is being closed." The government plans to detain incoming migrants, with the hope that they can be swiftly returned to their home countries. However, the practicalities of implementing swift repatriations pose significant challenges, as many countries of origin are uncooperative when it comes to the return of their citizens. This has raised concerns from various human rights advocates and organizations, including the left opposition in Greece and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The UNHCR stated that the right to asylum is a fundamental human right, safeguarded under international, European, and national laws. The decision comes in the context of a sharp increase in the number of migrants arriving from Libya to the Greek island of Crete. Reports indicate that traffickers are charging between 1,500 and 5,000 euros for the perilous journey across approximately 300 kilometers. Since the beginning of the year, about 10,000 migrants have entered the EU from the region surrounding the eastern Libyan port city of Tobruk, marking a staggering 350 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Greek government's controversial approach to migration continues to spark debate, as it seeks to balance border control with the rights of asylum seekers. The situation remains fluid, and the implications of this temporary measure could extend beyond the three-month duration as Greece navigates an increasingly complex migrant situation. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2