Greek authorities are considering suspending asylum applications for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa if arrivals continue to rise, according to officials from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
The measure is under review as increasing numbers of migrants travel from Libya toward Crete, a route that has emerged as a key migration corridor. Officials described the potential suspension as an option if flows remain consistently high, noting that similar measures have been implemented in the past.
Data from Frontex show that irregular border crossings into the European Union dropped significantly in early 2026. Arrivals fell by 52% compared to the same period last year, with approximately 12,000 crossings recorded.
Despite an overall 41% decrease in arrivals to Greece—largely due to reduced flows from Turkey—authorities now focus on the Libya-to-Crete route as the primary concern.
Thanos Plevris stated that Greece is prepared to implement stricter measures, including suspending asylum procedures, if arrivals increase, as was done temporarily last summer.
Rising Arrivals in Crete
Since the beginning of the year, nearly 2,000 migrants have reached Crete, with coast guard authorities responding to 41 incidents. Local officials report that favorable weather conditions have enabled more departures from Libya.
Between March 3 and March 11 alone, authorities recorded 31 incidents involving approximately 1,480 migrants. A recent case involved 39 men found on a beach near southern Crete.
Investigation and Arrest
Meanwhile, authorities arrested Tommy Olsen in Tromsø following an international warrant issued by Greece. Olsen, founder of the Aegean Boat Report, faces charges including forming a criminal organization and facilitating illegal entry and stay of migrants.
Olsen has denied all allegations, stating he had no contact with smuggling networks and received no financial compensation. According to his organization, he previously volunteered on Lesbos during the 2015–2016 migration crisis before launching the platform to improve information sharing among aid groups.
greekcitytimes.com.
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