The Greek Parliament is debating today a controversial emergency amendment that imposes a three-month suspension on asylum applications by individuals entering the country illegally via sea routes from North Africa.
The amendment, attached to a Development Ministry bill on public procurement training, states that such individuals will be “returned without registration to the country of origin or provenance.” The new provision aims to stem recent surges in sea arrivals to Crete and the Dodecanese, particularly at the port of Rethymno.
Authorities argue the measure is a necessary, temporary response to increased illegal migration and security risks. The government stresses the move targets smuggling networks exploiting North African routes and aims to safeguard Greek and European borders.
However, rights groups and legal experts warn that bypassing the asylum registration process may breach international conventions on asylum and non-refoulement. Intense parliamentary debate is expected, as opposition parties question the measure’s legality and humanitarian implications.
