Greece May Extend North Africa Asylum Ban If Migrant Arrivals Rise

Greece has implemented a three-month suspension on processing asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, primarily targeting those from Libya arriving on Crete, with the possibility of extending this suspension if migrant flows increase again. The measure has significantly reduced arrivals, dropping from 2,642 in early July to 900 in subsequent weeks. The government is preparing new legislation that would impose up to five years in prison for those entering Greece illegally without fleeing armed conflict, though asylum seekers fleeing conflict remain eligible for protection. Despite these actions, Greece faces accusations from human rights groups of forcibly turning back asylum-seekers at its borders, with the EU border agency investigating 12 potential cases of rights violations. To curb migration, Greece has deployed naval frigates off Libya and started training Libyan coast guard personnel, emphasizing the message that Europe has limits and cannot accept more illegal migrants. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris stressed that open borders are no longer feasible and that countries must enforce their borders strictly.