Greek lawmakers on Friday passed a controversial law halting the processing of asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, citing a surge in arrivals on the island of Crete.
The move, which has been sharply criticised by human rights groups and opposition parties, will allow for the immediate repatriation of new arrivals without formal identification or asylum procedures for at least three months.
The decision follows recent discussions between Greece and Libya’s eastern-based authorities aimed at curbing migrant flows. It also signals a further tightening of migration policy under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ centre-right government, which has already fortified land borders and expanded sea patrols since taking office in 2019.
The law passed with 177 votes in favour and 74 against.
“Given the spike in irregular sea arrivals from North Africa, especially from Libya to Crete, we’ve made the difficult but necessary choice to pause asylum reviews,” Mitsotakis told Germany’s Bild newspaper. “Greece is not an open gateway to Europe.”
Also Read: Mpox: DRC, Sierra Leone, Uganda Worst Hit – Africa CDC
Human rights groups say the measure violates international asylum obligations. “Seeking refuge is a fundamental right. Blocking access is illegal and inhumane,” said Martha Roussou of the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Although overall migrant sea arrivals to Greece dropped by 5.5% in the first half of 2025, according to UN data, arrivals on Crete and the nearby island of Gavdos have surged more than 7,000 so far this year, up fourfold from 2024.
The Greek government recently housed hundreds of rescued migrants, including children, at a temporary shelter near Chania on Crete amid soaring summer heat. However, Crete lacks a permanent reception centre, and local officials have raised concerns that plans for a migrant camp could damage the island’s tourism-driven economy.
“The burden is too much. A national solution is urgently needed,” said George Tsapakos, Crete’s deputy governor.
The government maintains that its policies are legal and necessary for national security. Meanwhile, the EU border agency is reviewing a dozen cases involving possible rights abuses by Greek authorities.
