Greece’s Migration Minister, Thanos Plevris, has defended a contentious amendment which would temporarily suspend asylum applications for individuals arriving illegally by sea from North Africa.
The measure, expected to pass through Parliament on Friday, proposes a three-month halt to processing claims and allows swift deportations without prior identification.
“The message we are sending is clear: stay where you are. You are not welcome here, you are not entitled to international protection, and you will not blackmail Greece,” Plevris declared in Parliament.
He went on to describe the surge in arrivals as an “invasion of Europe,” referencing reports of a Libyan plan involving the movement of up to three million migrants.
“From now on, for those entering illegally, the path is either prison or departure,” he said.
The legislation follows a spike in migrant landings on the southern Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos. Talks with Libya’s eastern administration aimed at curbing departures were recently abandoned.
Human rights groups such as the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have strongly criticised the plan as breaching both international and European law.
While the Greek government insists the law complies with EU rules and is a deterrent, critics argue it undermines Greece’s long-standing commitment to protecting those fleeing war and persecution.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis rejected accusations of illegality, and Prime Minister Mitsotakis has since held talks with European leaders on a coordinated migration response.
Source: Ekathimerini
