Greek authorities intercepted more than 120 migrants off the coast of Crete early Monday, the latest in a wave of arrivals despite a government freeze on asylum applications and looming tougher detention rules.
Two vessels one carrying 58 people and the other 68 were stopped overnight. Officials believe both boats set sail from Libya. All passengers were taken ashore under guard at temporary reception centers. Over the weekend, strong winds had eased, allowing more than 100 additional migrants to land on Crete’s beaches.
Last month, Greece’s conservative government suspended all sea-borne asylum claims from North Africa, saying the measure would curb record crossings that topped 2,500 in a single week in July. Left-wing lawmakers and human-rights groups have blasted the suspension as unlawful and inhumane, but the government insists it must protect its borders.
Tensions have grown between Athens and Crete’s regional leaders over plans to build a permanent transit facility on the island. Local officials have pushed back, arguing that Crete already strains under high numbers of newcomers and needs more support, not fresh infrastructure mandates.
Meanwhile, the interior ministry is drafting legislation to tighten migrant controls. Under the proposed rules, those whose asylum claims are rejected would face mandatory detention, and all sea arrivals would be fitted with ankle monitors during a 30-day review before potential deportation. The bill is expected to reach parliament after the summer recess.
As crossings persist, Greece remains a key gateway to Europe for people fleeing conflict, poverty, and persecution. With patrols intensified in the eastern Mediterranean, smugglers are increasingly using longer and more dangerous routes from Libya to Crete, testing both local resources and national policies.
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