Greece has taken a drastic step in its ongoing battle against illegal immigration, announcing the suspension of asylum requests for migrants arriving by sea for the next three months. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared that the Mediterranean route to Greece is “closing,” as the nation grapples with a surge in arrivals from North Africa, particularly Libya. In a bid to deter human traffickers and illegal crossings, Athens has vowed to arrest anyone entering the country unlawfully.

This shocking policy shift follows a staggering increase in migrant arrivals, with nearly 2,000 people landing on the island of Crete in just a week. The total for 2025 has already surpassed 10,000, double the figure from the previous year. The Greek government is now implementing measures that critics argue violate international law, including the establishment of detention centers for those apprehended.

Human rights organizations have condemned Greece’s actions, labeling them as a blatant disregard for the rights of asylum seekers. They argue that the suspension of asylum applications criminalizes humanitarian efforts, putting lives at risk and undermining search and rescue operations in the perilous Mediterranean. Experts warn that these measures will not halt the flow of migrants, who are driven by desperation and the dire conditions in their home countries.

As Greece collaborates with Libyan authorities to prevent boats from departing, the situation raises urgent questions about the treatment of those seeking refuge and the broader implications for European migration policy. With lives hanging in the balance, the international community watches closely as Greece’s controversial stance unfolds, igniting a fierce debate over human rights and the future of asylum in Europe.