What will Greece's 3-month suspension of asylum mean in practice? | DW News

Greek Migration Policy Shift: Suspension of Asylum Applications

Key Concepts:

• Suspension of asylum applications: A temporary halt to processing asylum claims.
• Irregular arrivals: Migrants entering a country without the required documentation.
• Reception facilities: Centers designed to house and process newly arrived migrants.
• Detention center: A facility used to hold individuals who are being detained or awaiting deportation.
• International protection process: The legal framework for assessing and granting asylum.
• Deterrent: A measure intended to discourage potential migrants from attempting to enter a country.

1. Suspension of Asylum Applications

• Main Point: The Greek government has suspended asylum applications for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for three months.
• Details:
  • Lawmakers voted to suspend asylum applications.
  • Applies to migrants arriving by sea from North Africa.
  • The suspension is a response to a sharp increase in arrivals to the island of Cree.
  • The government claims the system is overwhelmed.
• Rationale:
  • The government aims to deter migrants from attempting to enter Greece.
  • Those detained will not enter the international protection process.
  • The government intends to return migrants as soon as possible.

2. Situation on the Island of Cree

• Main Point: The island of Cree is overwhelmed by the influx of migrants.
• Details:
  • A significant increase in irregular arrivals, especially from Libya.
  • Arrivals are concentrated on the southern coast of Cree (Kanya, Rethimno, Gavdos).
  • Cree lacks organized reception infrastructure.
  • Migrants are being housed in makeshift shelters (former exhibition center, bus station).
  • Conditions are cramped, and medical needs are growing.
• Example:
  • In Kanya, migrants are housed in a former exhibition center.
  • In Iraqlion, migrants were housed in a former bus station.

3. Migration Route and Smuggling

• Main Point: Eastern Libya is the starting point for migrants, with smugglers charging high fees.
• Details:
  • The journey from eastern Libya to Cree is approximately 300 kilometers.
  • Smugglers charge up to €5,000 for the journey.
  • This route has become one of the most active and dangerous migration routes into the EU.

4. Legal and Ethical Concerns

• Main Point: Human rights groups and the UN criticize Greece's move as illegal and inhumane.
• Details:
  • Critics argue the suspension risks putting lives in more danger.
  • The government insists it's an emergency situation.
  • Prime Minister Mitsotakis stated that Greece will not be an open corridor to Europe.

5. Planned Detention Center

• Main Point: A new detention center is planned on the island of Cree.
• Details:
  • The location of the detention center is not yet confirmed.
  • Local media suggests it may be near Iraqlion in a former military training center.
  • It is unclear if newly arrived migrants will be automatically deported.

6. Government Response and Cooperation

• Main Point: The Greek government is trying to respond quickly, but cooperation from North Africa is uncertain.
• Details:
  • The government insists it's an emergency situation.
  • Negotiations with Libya are ongoing, but there is no solution yet.
  • 500 undocumented migrants arrived in the port of Lavrio near Athens and will be taken to the Malakasa camp.

7. European Union Response

• Main Point: The European Commission has been informed but has not issued an official statement.
• Details:
  • The Commission is aware of the pressure Greece is under.
  • The Commission reminds member states to adhere to international law and human rights.
  • The EU is walking a "very thin line" between supporting Greece and upholding legal standards.

8. Notable Quotes

• "This legislation suspends the submission of asylum applications, meaning that individuals who are detained will no longer enter the international protection process. As soon as an opportunity arises, they will be returned." - (Implied: Greek Government Official)
• "Greece will not be an open corridor to Europe." - Greek Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis

Conclusion

The Greek government's decision to suspend asylum applications reflects the strain on its resources due to increased migration. The situation on Cree is particularly challenging, with inadequate reception facilities and growing humanitarian concerns. The legality and ethical implications of the suspension are being debated, and the response from the EU remains cautious. The success of this policy hinges on establishing effective cooperation with North African countries and ensuring humane treatment of migrants.