Greece signals possible extension of North Africa asylum suspensions

·

Greece may extend its recently introduced suspension on processing asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa if arrivals from Libya increase again, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has said.

The three-month suspension, passed in July, was aimed at curbing arrivals to Crete, where numbers dropped from 2,642 in the first week of July to 900 in the weeks since the measure took effect.

Plevris told public broadcaster ERT he would not rule out an extension in the event of “a new crisis”.

The government is preparing new legislation stipulating that anyone entering Greece illegally, without fleeing armed conflict and thus eligible for asylum, could face up to five years in prison.

Plevris stressed that “all European countries now understand that it is not possible to have open borders.”

Human rights groups have accused Greece of forcibly turning back asylum-seekers at its borders – claims the government denies. The EU border agency is currently reviewing 12 alleged cases of human rights violations by Greece.

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

George Halkias honoured at 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards

George Halkias, co-founder of The Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program, has been recognised at the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards.

Greece abolishes ATM withdrawal fees

From Monday, August 11, banks in Greece will no longer charge fees for cash withdrawals from ATMs operated by Greek lenders.

Four Greek Australians charged over alleged multi-million dollar bond scam

Dimitrios (James) Podaridis, Peter Delis, Bassilios (Bill) Floropoulos, and Harry Tsalikidis have been charged with money laundering.

Former Greek PM Antonis Samaras’ daughter dies suddenly aged 34

Lena Samaras, the daughter of former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, has died suddenly after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Mitsotakis urges hostage release and ceasefire in call with Israeli President

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke by phone on Thursday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Read more here.

You May Also Like

Program released for the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW’s Dimitria Festival

The program for the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW’s Dimitria Festival has been released, running from September 29 until December 1.

Acropolis lights up blue in respect of Children’s Rights

As a sign of respect for children’s rights and for their right to be protected, one of the world’s greatest monuments, the Athens Acropolis,...

Tunic of Alexander the Great discovered?

A group of archaeologists, led by Antonis Bartziokas may have uncovered the sacred “chiton,” or tunic, of Alexander the Great.