### Greece Implements Temporary Asylum Suspension Amid Migrant Surge

Amid a dramatic increase of migrant boat landings on Crete, Greece has temporarily suspended asylum processing for arrivals from North Africa, a decision marked by governmental urgency and international concerns.

Greece has temporarily suspended the processing of asylum applications for North African migrants for three months, citing a surge in arrivals that the government describes as an emergency. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that migrants arriving by boat during this period will be detained, aiming to deter human traffickers and potential migrants from risking the perilous journey to Greece. This measure reflects a similar legal approach Greece took in 2020 to block migrant crossings from Turkey.

Mitsotakis stressed, "This emergency situation requires emergency response measures," indicating a proactive approach to managing the unprecedented inflow. The Greek government also plans to present draft legislation to parliament addressing these urgent conditions. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris echoed this sentiment, stating, "Clear message: stay where you are, we do not accept you," emphasizing the strict posture against incoming migrants.

The decision comes as Crete faces a staggering 350% increase in migrant landings since the start of 2025, with over 9,000 migrants arriving just this year. Recent reports indicate that more than 2,000 migrants came ashore in a matter of days, leading to overwhelming strain on local authorities and inadequate accommodation facilities. Many migrants reportedly find themselves temporarily housed in a sweltering market hall, with numerous young families among them.

The region's immigration services are struggling to cope, with government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis acknowledging that the inflow is "growing and ongoing." Efforts to redistribute migrants across the country are hampered by logistical challenges, particularly during the busy tourist season.

In response to the crisis, Greek, Italian, and Maltese officials, alongside the EU's migration commissioner, sought discussions with Libyan authorities. However, their efforts were thwarted as the Libyan Government of National Stability refused entry, citing sovereignty violations. Mitsotakis stated that the Greek army is poised to collaborate with Libyan forces to stop boats from departing towards Europe.

NGOs and human rights organizations have criticized European strategies seeking to forge agreements with Libya, where intercepted migrants often face imprisonment in inhumane conditions. Amnesty International condemned these approaches, asserting that they neglect the dignity and safety of migrants, highlighting an ongoing humanitarian crisis arising from political and logistical challenges surrounding migration in the Mediterranean.