Greek island witnesses surge in migrant boat arrivals despite harsher detention policy

Greek island witnesses surge in migrant boat arrivals despite harsher detention policy
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Greek authorities reported the interception of over 120 migrants off the coast of Crete early Monday, marking the latest arrivals despite a suspension of asylum applications and proposed stricter detention measures, Arab News reported. Two boats carrying 58 and 68 individuals, believed to have departed from Libya, were stopped, and the passengers were placed under guard in temporary shelters. Additionally, more than 100 migrants reached Crete over the weekend after strong winds subsided.

Last month, Greece’s conservative government halted all asylum claims from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, aiming to curb crossings that surged to over 2,500 in a single week in July. The government is currently in disagreement with local authorities in Crete regarding plans to construct a permanent transit center on the island. Draft legislation is being prepared to impose imprisonment on migrants whose asylum requests are rejected and to require ankle monitors during a 30-day compliance period prior to deportation, with the bill expected after the summer recess.