The Greek government has moved swiftly to respond to a sudden rise in migrant arrivals on Crete. According to official figures, since September 12 more than 880 people have landed on the island, bringing the total number currently there to about 1,200.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis confirmed on Monday that the Ministry of Migration and Asylum is closely monitoring the situation and reviewing “all possible scenarios and courses of action.”

Migrants to be relocated

A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis decided that the Hellenic Coast Guard and Police will begin transferring migrants to closed reception facilities on the mainland. The aim is to relieve pressure on Crete, where local authorities have reported an overwhelming influx.

Expiring emergency measure

The spike comes as a temporary measure suspending entry from North Africa nears its expiration date of October 11. That rule, introduced in July, was credited with sharply reducing arrivals.

Before it took effect, 2,642 migrants reached Crete in just one week. By August, arrivals had fallen to 689 for the entire month, an 80% drop compared to July. Early September saw only 75 entries, but numbers surged again in recent days — with 689 people arriving in Chania, 137 in Heraklion, and 57 in Rethymno.

“The measure acted as a significant deterrent and delivered impressive results,” Marinakis said, while noting the government will reassess its future depending on how the situation develops.

Tensions with Turkey

Alongside the migration challenge, Athens is also watching Ankara’s latest moves in the Aegean. Turkey has issued a new Navtex announcing scientific research by the vessel Piri Reis. Greece responded immediately with its own Navtex, stressing it will continue defending national interests and will not accept any step backward.