A series of migrant rescue operations took place in Greece over the past 24 hours in the waters south of Gavdos, south of Crete, under the coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC).
On Tuesday morning, a Greek Coast Guard patrol vessel, assisted by a Frontex drone, located and rescued 36 migrants aboard a small boat. The group was safely transferred to the port of Chora Sfakion. Weather conditions in the area were favorable.

Two more rescues on Monday

The previous day, two additional incidents were reported in the same maritime zone. In the first case, a Frontex vessel, with support from a nearby ship, rescued 43 migrants from a dinghy eight nautical miles south of Gavdos. They were brought to the island’s port.

In a separate operation, 66 more people were rescued from another dinghy 14 nautical miles south of Gavdos, and were also transported to safety at the island’s port.

Asylum rejections resume

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum confirmed that the country’s Asylum Service resumed issuing rejection decisions on Monday. This comes despite earlier reports suggesting an indefinite suspension of negative asylum rulings.

According to ministry sources, Greek courts are increasingly handing down convictions against migrants residing illegally in the country. Under the new migration law, the vast majority of those whose asylum applications are rejected are compelled to opt for voluntary departure in order to avoid imprisonment.

Stricter penalties under new law

The law stipulates that anyone found without valid documentation faces a minimum prison sentence of two years. Authorities emphasize that the legislation aims to deter migration without legal documents and enforce compliance with asylum and residency rules.