New Migrant Facility to Open in Crete Within Two Months, Says Greek Migration Minister Plevris

Greece’s Minister for Migration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, has announced a new migrant reception facility will be established in Crete within the next two months, funded by the European Union.

In an interview with MEGA TV, Plevris highlighted a notable decrease in migration flows to the island in recent weeks, attributing the drop to the recent legislative amendment suspending the examination of asylum applications for specific nationalities.

“During the first week of July—before the asylum suspension was enacted—we recorded 2,462 arrivals in just eight days,” the minister stated. “Since then, and over a period of 25 days, fewer than 900 individuals have arrived, with 500 of them coming immediately after the amendment was passed.”

Despite the decline, Plevris warned that smuggling networks could quickly adapt their tactics, and emphasized the need for continued vigilance. According to intelligence reports from Libya, up to three million people are currently gathered along the country’s coastline, with similarly high numbers in Egypt.

“If we were to permit 1,000 arrivals per day, this would resemble an invasion,” he said pointedly.

Profile of Arrivals: Predominantly Young Men from Safe Countries

Plevris also shed light on the demographics of migrants arriving from Libya, noting that:

• 60% originate from countries classified as safe and therefore do not qualify for asylum
• 90% are men aged 18 to 30
• Only 10% are women and children

“We are mainly dealing with economic migrants attempting to enter Europe illegally,” he stated.

New Legislation Coming: Jail or Return

The minister revealed that the government will table a new bill by the end of August to toughen consequences for rejected asylum applicants. The proposed law will offer two choices:

• Imprisonment ranging from 2 to 5 years (non-suspendable and non-redeemable), or
• Voluntary repatriation to countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh

This move aims to send a clear message both domestically and to European institutions:“Greece will not serve as an uncontrolled gateway to the EU.”

Call for Unified European Action on Returns

Plevris reiterated the need for a coordinated European return policy and stronger support for frontline states such as Greece.“The EU cannot call for solidarity only when it comes to distributing migrants. It must also show solidarity when it comes to controlling its external borders,” he emphasized.

The Greek government, he added, will continue to pursue a migration strategy that is strict yet fair.

Source: pagenews.gr