Greek minister’s hardline policy: Migrants face detention and deportation

On Saturday (19 July) Greek authorities reported five separate incidents involving approximately 250 migrants detected south of Crete, signalling a resurgence of migration flows from Libya. The Greek government, under a stringent new policy led by Minister of Immigration and Asylum Thanos Plevris, has shifted its approach, denying migrants the right to seek asylum, treating them as illegal immigrants, and detaining them for deportation.

This marks a significant departure from previous frameworks, raising concerns about compliance with international law and human rights standards.

Surge in arrivals and immediate detention

With improving weather conditions, migrant arrivals have surged. On Saturday, the Greek Coast Guard intercepted 117 people south of Gavdos, 54 at Tripiti beach, 31 near Gavdos again, and 42 on an unmanned boat off Kala Limeni. All were transferred to Souda for registration and questioning and are currently held in custody.

Greece rescues hundreds of migrants over weekend off islands of Gavdos and Crete

Unlike in the past, when migrants might have been directed to accommodation facilities, they now face detention pending return to their countries of origin.

Plevris, known for his far-right background, announced on social media that these migrants would be jailed rather than housed in reception centers.

His policy criminalises unauthorised entry, even for those potentially eligible for international protection, framing migration as an illegal act driven by smuggling networks rather than a humanitarian issue.

Shift in migration routes and policy

Historically, Crete has been a secondary entry point for migrants, with primary flows arriving from Turkey to the Aegean islands. However, strengthened patrols in the Aegean have redirected smuggling routes to southern Crete from Libya.

The government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has progressively restricted asylum processes, culminating in a complete suspension of asylum applications for arrivals via “unsafe routes” like Libya. This approach effectively bars many migrants from seeking refuge, regardless of their circumstances.

Greece suspends asylum application processing after mass migrant arrivals from Libya

Backlash and legal concerns

The policy has drawn sharp criticism. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and international organisations have urged Greece to adhere to refugee conventions, arguing that the blanket denial of asylum access violates international obligations. Greek bar associations have condemned the policy as unconstitutional and contrary to European law.

Local authorities in Crete warn of strained infrastructure, public health risks, and the emergence of informal detention sites lacking adequate safeguards.

Despite these concerns, the government remains steadfast, portraying the arrivals as an organised illegal phenomenon rather than a humanitarian crisis. Plevris and his ministry insist that their approach targets smuggling networks, but critics argue it fosters a climate of fear and normalises detention as a default response to migration.

Broader implications for Greece and Europe

As summer is expected to bring more arrivals from Libya, Crete risks becoming a flashpoint for migrant entrapment and exclusion. The government’s policies not only aim to manage migration flows but also appear to align with Plevris’s ideological stance, prioritizing punitive measures over humanitarian considerations.

This approach contrasts with Europe’s ongoing efforts to develop collective, rights-based solutions to migration challenges, raising questions about Greece’s commitment to the rule of law and EU values. But the Greek example could also become contagious and inspire other countries to abandon the basic principles of asylum policy.

Edited by g.g.

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Caption: Refugees and migrants sit outside the Greek Port authority after being transported by small launch boats from a bulk carrier, at the port of Lavrio, Greece, 10 July 2025. Over 500 refugees and migrants rescued in Crete were transported overnight by a cargo ship to the port of Lavrio. EPA/YANNIS KOLESIDIS