Mon Aug 18 13:42:38 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Greece Struggles to Stem Migrant Arrivals Despite Asylum Suspension**

CRETE, GREECE – Greece is grappling with a surge in migrant arrivals by sea from North Africa, despite a controversial suspension of asylum applications for those arriving via this route. Just this week, Greek authorities intercepted over 120 refugees and migrants off the coast of Crete, highlighting the continued flow of people attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing.

Two boats, carrying 58 and 68 people respectively, believed to have originated in Libya, were intercepted on Monday. The passengers are currently being held under guard in temporary shelters. This follows the arrival of over 100 other refugees and migrants on Crete over the weekend after improved weather conditions facilitated the sea journey.

Greece’s conservative government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, implemented the asylum suspension last month, claiming it was necessary to deter crossings that peaked in July. The measure passed in parliament following a surge in asylum seekers reaching Crete and the breakdown of talks with the Libyan government to stem the flow.

The move has been criticized as a further hardening of Greece’s stance towards refugees and migrants. The government has also constructed a fence at its northern land borders and increased sea patrols. A contentious plan to build a permanent transit facility on Crete is also causing friction with regional authorities.

The government is currently drafting legislation that would mandate imprisonment for individuals whose asylum claims are denied and require the use of ankle monitors during a 30-day compliance period before deportation.

The situation comes amid increasing concerns about the dangers faced by refugees and migrants attempting the Mediterranean crossing. Earlier this month, at least 26 people died after two boats sank off the coast of Lampedusa, Italy.

Rights groups and the United Nations have documented systematic abuse against refugees and migrants in Libya, including torture, rape, and extortion. The UNHCR reports that 675 people have died in the central Mediterranean since the beginning of this year while attempting the crossing. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the desperate conditions driving individuals to risk their lives in search of safety and opportunity in Europe.

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