Greece is reaffirming its stance on border control and migration management amid declining arrivals from North Africa, according to Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris.
Speaking on the TV program Koinonia Ora MEGA, Plevris emphasized that Greece will not compromise its borders or international law, even as global leaders discuss ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. He stressed that the country supports Ukraine as a defending nation while advocating for a peaceful resolution.
On domestic policy, Plevris highlighted recent measures aimed at curbing irregular migration. Following a spike in arrivals from Libya to the southern island of Gavdos, authorities carried out three operations in Gavdos and Kalamata. Over the last 20 days, migration has declined sharply, with fewer than 400 arrivals in the first 20 days of August, down from approximately 3,500 in July.
Plevris explained that the government’s three-month suspension of asylum applications, introduced in July, contributed to this decline. He said Greece now enforces detention for those arriving illegally and has strengthened deportation procedures. A new bill for the return of rejected asylum seekers is expected to pass by the end of August.
The minister also outlined a shift in policy for recognized refugees, noting that social benefits will gradually decrease, while programs will focus on teaching skills, language, and employment. Plevris emphasized that asylum recipients must respect the host country, with noncompliance leading to deportation.
“These measures balance the rights of migrants with the protection of Greek citizens, ensuring we will not become an open-border country,” Plevris stated.
