Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said on Sunday that more than half a million migrants and refugees are currently in Libya awaiting opportunities to cross the Mediterranean and reach Europe.
In remarks to Greek television, Plevris estimated the number of migrants in Libya at approximately 550,000. According to Bloomberg, the minister said Athens is coordinating closely with Frontex and Libyan authorities to combat human trafficking networks and monitor migrant boats before they depart from Libyan shores.
The Greek minister stated that efforts are focused on preventing vessels from leaving the Libyan coast, amid growing concerns in southern Europe over rising migration flows through the central Mediterranean route.
Meanwhile, Greek state radio reported that the Greek coast guard rescued 125 migrants aboard two boats discovered off the southern coast of Crete on Sunday.
Officials said weather conditions in the region remain relatively calm, increasing the likelihood that additional migrant boats may have already departed from Libya toward European waters.
Libya continues to serve as a major transit point for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach Europe, despite repeated warnings from international organisations about the dangers of irregular sea crossings and the activities of human trafficking groups operating in the region.
Authorities linked to the Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba, have repeatedly pledged to strengthen border security and cooperate with European partners to combat illegal migration and smuggling networks.
The issue remains politically sensitive across Europe, particularly in Mediterranean countries facing increasing pressure from migrant arrivals. European agencies and Libyan authorities have expanded coordination efforts in recent years to intercept migrant boats and dismantle trafficking operations.