Greece is grappling with a fresh surge of migrants arriving from Libya to the island of Crete, challenging the government’s newly tightened immigration policies introduced under former Minister Makis Voridis and continued by his successor Thanos Plevris.
Over the past weekend, more than 500 migrants landed on Cretan shores within hours, exposing the limitations of the controversial ban on asylum applications, initially touted as a solution to curb arrivals. Crowded reception centers across the island further illustrate that the recently passed “Plevris Law,” which prevents undocumented migrants from obtaining residence permits after seven years in the country, has so far not deterred arrivals.
Under the law, all undocumented migrants entering Greece are to be detained until deportation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Example Sparks Online Debate
The government spokesman, Pavlos Marinakis, addressed social media claims suggesting that, under the Plevris Law, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo could theoretically face deportation. Marinakis dismissed these claims as “cheap opposition” and emphasized that the law targets illegal migrants, not Greek citizens or residents who contribute to society.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo is now a symbol of our country and its sportsmanship,” Marinakis said. “His family, like many others, were born in Greece, worked hard, went to school, and are fully Greek. This law has nothing to do with them—it targets those who attempt to enter the country illegally.”
European Union Response
The surge in arrivals has caught the attention of the European Commission. Spokesperson Markus Lammert highlighted that the situation in Libya remains critical and emphasized the importance of coordinated EU and member-state engagement. Considering potential geopolitical consequences and the risk of migration being used as a political tool, the EU is actively engaging with regional actors to manage the challenges associated with the new migrant flows.
