Migration crisis and government response
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has confirmed plans for at least one permanent closed identification facility for migrants and asylum seekers on Crete. This decision is a reaction to rising arrivals: approximately 2,000 persons in 2023, 4,000 in 2024, and 10,000 during H1 2025, mapping out a permanent Libya–Crete corridor.
Plevris clarified that the facility will not become a retention center: detainees will experience restricted freedom, but will not be indefinitely detained — “it will not stagnate people there” .
Military sites repurposed
The Migration Ministry is working with the Ministry of Defense to identify disused military camps on Crete. The former Zografakis camp in Kastelli, Heraklion, is the leading candidate for repurposing
New measures – asylum freeze and strict penalties
Emergency legislation imposes a three-month suspension on asylum applications from maritime arrivals from North Africa. Additional measures include:
- Mandatory detention for illegal arrivals
- Reduction of benefits in reception centers
- Criminal penalties (up to five years prison) for illegal stayers
Local backlash and ethical concerns
Local actors, including the Bishop of Rethymno, criticize the state’s approach, stating that responsibility is being dumped on local communities and calling for calm and humane policies.
Government objectives and operational plan
The government claims the structure aims to:
- Manage and process migrants effectively,
- Relieve pressure on Cretan infrastructure,
- Accelerate deportations of those without asylum entitlement.
Meanwhile, large-scale transfers of migrant groups to mainland ports — such as Piraeus and Lavrio — have already commenced due to capacity strain.
Outlook and challenges
With arrivals from Libya continuing, questions persist on whether the policy will deter trafficking networks or simply transfer the pressure elsewhere. Opposition and humanitarian organizations warn that harsh tactics may violate international conventions and risk human rights breaches.
