Greek government transfers hundreds of asylum seekers from Crete to other islands

Greece is transferring hundreds of asylum seekers from Crete to the Aegean islands of Lesbos and Samos, following recent rescues off Crete's coast. Crete and the small island of Gavdos, located near Libya, have become the main arrival points for asylum seekers entering Greece. However, Crete currently has only a temporary accommodation facility, though the Ministry of Migration has pledged to build a permanent center.

Recent operations saw at least 131 people rescued near Gavdos, with a tanker also assisting 33 migrants from a small boat. The Ministry stated the transfers are for identification, screening, and control purposes before potential relocation to mainland Greece, assuring no additional burden on the destination islands.

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The transfer is carried out exclusively for identification, screening and control needs of asylum seekers before their possible transfer to other structures in mainland Greece.

Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, a proponent of strict migration policies, noted a significant decrease in asylum seeker arrivals to Greece. He is collaborating with counterparts from Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands to establish centers outside the EU for rejected asylum seekers awaiting repatriation. Local authorities on Lesbos and Samos have expressed concerns about their reception centers' capacity, with reports of nearly 200 asylum seekers expected on each island soon. Meanwhile, "serious incidents" were reported at a reception center in northern Greece, involving clashes between migrants and police.

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Consequently, there will be no additional burden on the affected islands.