Greece Implements Legislation to Curb Migrant Arrivals from Libya
Greek government introduces emergency measures to address increased migration flow.
ATHENS: In a move aimed at curbing the influx of migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, Greece has announced plans to suspend asylum claims for three months.
This decision comes in response to what the government describes as an "invasion" from Libya, with over 14,000 migrants having reached Greek shores this year alone.
The conservative-led government, holding a parliamentary majority, is expected to approve emergency legislation that will allow authorities to detain asylum seekers in camps for up to 18 months.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the need to send a clear message to human trafficking networks, stating that Greece cannot be treated as an open transit route for such dangerous and uncertain journeys.
The decision has been met with criticism from rights groups who argue it violates international and EU law.
Opposition parties have also questioned its constitutionality.
Despite this, the European Commission has expressed willingness to engage with Greek authorities over the measures.
The country is considering reopening previously used camps and constructing new facilities on the island of Crete in an effort to manage the migration flow effectively.
Greece has taken similar steps before during a 2020 migration surge at its land border with Turkey.
This decision comes in response to what the government describes as an "invasion" from Libya, with over 14,000 migrants having reached Greek shores this year alone.
The conservative-led government, holding a parliamentary majority, is expected to approve emergency legislation that will allow authorities to detain asylum seekers in camps for up to 18 months.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the need to send a clear message to human trafficking networks, stating that Greece cannot be treated as an open transit route for such dangerous and uncertain journeys.
The decision has been met with criticism from rights groups who argue it violates international and EU law.
Opposition parties have also questioned its constitutionality.
Despite this, the European Commission has expressed willingness to engage with Greek authorities over the measures.
The country is considering reopening previously used camps and constructing new facilities on the island of Crete in an effort to manage the migration flow effectively.
Greece has taken similar steps before during a 2020 migration surge at its land border with Turkey.
