Greece Faces Rising Refugee Arrivals Amidst Heightened Security Measures

As Greece grapples with an increase in refugee arrivals, particularly on the island of Crete, the government has implemented stringent measures to deter further influxes from Libya. Although the numbers are significant, they fall short of the crisis levels seen in 2015.

Thanos Plevris, the Greek migration minister, has described the situation as an 'invasion,' a term echoed by various members of the ruling New Democracy party. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged to prevent the establishment of new illegal entry routes into Greece and Europe, likening the current response to actions taken in 2020 at the Evros border.

In the first half of 2025, the Hellenic Coast Guard reported over 7,300 refugees arriving on Crete, with an additional 2,000 recorded in July alone, marking a 350% increase from 2024. However, these figures are considerably lower than the over one million arrivals in 2015, leading some analysts to question the appropriateness of the current rhetoric.

Local opposition has emerged against the proposed construction of refugee camps on Crete, with residents demonstrating against such developments. Consequently, new arrivals have been relocated to other regions, including Malakasa near Athens and northern Greece. While the government has indicated plans for facilities on the island, it faces significant political pushback.

Furthermore, the migration minister's comments regarding the treatment of asylum seekers have raised eyebrows. Plevris has suggested that current food provisions in refugee camps are overly generous, despite evidence indicating that asylum seekers receive limited support. Since late 2021, they have been reliant on private catering services, with costs largely subsidized by the EU.

Many refugees arriving in Greece express a desire to move onwards to western and northern Europe, rather than settling in Greece. Asylum applications for those arriving by sea from northern Africa are currently suspended for at least three months, a move that has sparked criticism regarding its legality and alignment with European human rights standards.

In response to the rising numbers, the government is exploring agreements with countries of origin for expedited deportations, although logistical and diplomatic challenges remain. A significant portion of recent arrivals hail from Afghanistan, Egypt, and Syria, among other nations.

Despite the government's attempts to establish a deterrent policy, experts remain skeptical about its effectiveness, particularly given the dire circumstances many migrants are fleeing. The situation in Libya continues to be a critical factor in the ongoing migration crisis, with millions displaced by conflict and instability.

Ultimately, addressing the complexities of migration in the Mediterranean will require comprehensive international cooperation, particularly in relation to Libya's fragmented political landscape. Experts suggest that a renewed approach, similar to the EU-Turkey agreement established in 2016, may be necessary to manage the challenges effectively.