Greece Warns of 'Invasion' in Crete to Stop Migrant Flow

Migrants in Detention on Crete Face Uncertain Futures

In the heart of a sweltering, cavernous hall, rows of men sit in silence, their only company the wait. The space, once an exhibition center, now serves as a detention facility for migrants who have crossed the sea from Libya to reach Greece. Signs from an old tourist fair, such as "Explore the Beauty of Nature," are displayed behind them, but these words no longer hold meaning for those trapped inside.

These individuals did not come to Crete as tourists; they are migrants who risked dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean. Many were detained and denied the opportunity to apply for asylum, despite the right being enshrined in both EU and international law. Recently, the Greek government implemented a policy that suspends this right for the next three months, a move criticized by human rights lawyers.

The new migration minister, Thanos Plevris, has declared a "state of emergency" and spoken of an "invasion" of migrants. He emphasizes strong deterrence, stating that anyone who enters Greece illegally will be detained and returned. This policy has led to the detention of people fleeing war, including those from Sudan, without any chance to explain their situation.

Inside the former exhibition center, guards warned against speaking with the migrants. Conditions are harsh: many are dressed in vests or stripped to the waist, with limited access to water and basic hygiene. Donated clothes and toys remain unpacked, as guards avoid provoking conflicts.

Over two days, we saw just a few hundred migrants at Ayia, representing countries like Egypt, Bangladesh, Yemen, and Sudan. Among them were teenage boys and a small number of women. However, during one weekend, 900 people landed in Crete, overwhelming the facility.

More than 7,000 migrants reached Crete between January and late June, more than three times the number in 2024. The Eastern Mediterranean corridor, particularly the Libya-Crete route, has become the main path for crossings. Traffickers began sending people to Crete after Italy signed a controversial deal with Libya allowing for the interception and return of migrants, despite evidence of human rights abuses.

In mid-July, the Greek government announced stricter measures, claiming the road to Greece was closing. Migrants entering illegally would be arrested. Mustafa, a 20-year-old from Sudan, was among those detained. He was transferred to a camp outside Athens called Amygdaleza, where he described living like a prisoner, with no access to proper clothing or shoes.

Lawyers visiting the camp confirmed his account, noting recent arrivals often walk barefoot on hot soil and receive minimal information. Sudanese citizens typically qualify for asylum, but under the new policy, this right is suspended.

Mustafa recounted his journey from Libya, where he spent months waiting for a chance to cross. He was on a plastic boat with 38 others, rescued after two days at sea. Now, he fears being sent back to Sudan, where there is ongoing conflict.

The Greek migration minister defends the policy, arguing that Greece cannot accept the pressure from migration without reacting. He claims that Sudanese refugees could stay in Libya, suggesting a balance between respecting rights and protecting Greek citizens.

The European Commission is looking into the move, calling it an exception due to potential consequences for European security. Similar policies have been implemented in other countries, such as Poland, which also halted asylum applications on its eastern border.

Legal experts argue that the current situation does not constitute a grave threat, and the suspension of asylum rights may be illegal. Dimitris Fourakis, a lawyer working with migrants, warns that detention centers will quickly fill up, making it difficult to send migrants back.

The increase in small boat arrivals coincides with the summer season, and the migration minister cites protecting the tourist industry as a priority. Some locals, like Andreas Lougiakis, a restaurant owner, express concern about the impact on business, even though they feel sympathy for the migrants.

The suspension of asylum is part of a broader crackdown on irregular migrants. The minister plans to jail those who fail to leave Greece after their asylum request is rejected and use electronic tags for surveillance. He also promises a review of benefits, citing millions in North Africa poised to cross to Europe.

Plevris warns that if border countries do not take tough measures, the flow of migrants will affect other societies. He claims Greece has long advocated for such measures, but previously, no one listened.

Each evening, the coast guard escorts groups of migrants to port, boarding night ferries to Athens. When the number of arrivals increased, finding space on board became challenging. The minister insists the suspension of asylum rights is temporary, likely only for the summer.

High winds have currently slowed the flow of boats, but the move raises concerns about governments easily discarding fundamental rights in the name of security. For those like Mustafa, who fled war, the future remains uncertain.