The Greek Coast Guard has detained 247 migrants who entered Greece illegally from Libya, following a series of interceptions south of Gavdos and Crete over the past 24 hours. The migrants were transported aboard Offshore Vessel 080 to the port of Lavrio, where they were transferred to detention centres under Greece’s newly tightened migration laws.
A recent parliamentary amendment has suspended asylum applications for migrants arriving illegally from Libya. As a result, these individuals will not be hosted in Ministry of Migration reception facilities and will remain in detention until return procedures are completed. “The government’s message is clear: those entering illegally from Libya will face immediate detention and deportation,” a Ministry official stated.
Upon their arrival at Lavrio, the migrants were escorted by police to PROKEKA (Pre-departure Detention Centres for Foreigners). Additional facilities have been allocated by the Ministry of Migration to accommodate the growing number of illegal arrivals.
Rescue Operation off Gavdos
In a separate incident, the Greek Coast Guard and EU border agency Frontex rescued 63 migrants from a boat south of Gavdos. The operation, coordinated by the Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (E.K.S.E.D.), brought the group safely to the port of Karave on Gavdos, where they await transfer.
This comes after 175 migrants, also from Libya, were intercepted in three separate incidents off Crete on Saturday, underscoring the increasing pressure of migration routes through Libya.
Stricter Border Policies
The new policy marks a tougher stance by Greece on illegal migration from Libya. Authorities emphasise that all future arrivals from the North African country will face detention and return procedures, signalling a shift toward stronger border enforcement.
