The migration route linking Tobruk in eastern Libya to the Greek island of Crete has witnessed a sharp surge in irregular arrivals during 2025, with numbers tripling compared to the previous year.
According to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, around 20,000 migrants were recorded on the Tobruk–Crete corridor this year, making it the primary entry point into Greece. The figures were reported by the Greek newspaper Greek City Times on Monday.
The increase comes despite an overall 26 per cent decline in irregular crossings into Europe compared with 2024. While pressure has eased along other Mediterranean routes, the eastern Libya corridor has emerged as one of the most active and dangerous migration pathways.
The sea stretch between Tobruk and Crete crosses Libyan waters and is considered among Europe’s deadliest routes. Overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels frequently attempt the journey, often spending days in open waters. Waves have repeatedly carried unidentified bodies ashore following shipwrecks.
Eastern Libya has become a major departure point for smuggling networks, shifting migration flows away from previously targeted routes under European Union initiatives. This development has effectively turned Crete into a new migration hotspot.
In a recent incident south of Crete, Greek rescue teams saved 20 migrants and recovered four bodies from a distressed vessel, while dozens were feared missing at sea.
Georgios Piliaros, Head of Frontex Operations in Greece and Cyprus, said harsh winter weather had temporarily reduced crossings in January and February. However, he warned that arrivals are expected to rise again as conditions improve in spring.
In response to the surge, Greek authorities have adopted stricter measures, including temporarily suspending asylum procedures for arrivals from Libya and tightening penalties for rejected applicants, amid mounting pressure on national reception systems.
