216 Migrants Arrive from Libya; Authorities Plan Immediate Deportation

216 Migrants Rescued Near Crete to Be Deported, Say Greek Authorities.A group of 216 migrants rescued in international waters south of Crete and Gavdos on Saturday will be deported, according to Greek officials. The migrants, who had departed from Libya, were picked up by commercial vessels and units of the Hellenic Coast Guard.

Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, announced the deportation via a post on the social media platform X. “The illegal migrants who entered from Libya over the past few hours were arrested by the Coast Guard,” Plevris wrote. “They do not have the right to apply for asylum. They will not be led to reception centers, but will remain detained by the police until their expulsion procedure takes place.”

Migration flows from Libya have seen a recent uptick, prompting Greek authorities to temporarily suspend the processing of asylum applications for arrivals from that route. The decision has drawn concern from European Union officials and human rights advocates, who view access to asylum as a fundamental right.

Reception centers, which offer food and temporary housing for asylum seekers, typically allow free movement. However, the latest arrivals will not be processed through these facilities. Instead, they will remain in custody until deportation procedures are completed.

Plevris had previously proposed the construction of a permanent migrant detention facility on the island of Crete. However, following significant local opposition, he reversed the decision, stating that one or more temporary holding camps will be set up instead.

Greek authorities argue that firm action is needed to deter illegal crossings, especially as smuggling networks increasingly use Libya as a launch point. Meanwhile, NGOs and international organizations continue to urge Greece to uphold international protection standards and ensure due process for all arrivals.

Source: pagenews.gr