Photo credit: Tovina
Greece is tightening its migration policy, introducing stricter controls and accelerating returns for individuals who are not eligible for asylum, according to Migration Minister Thanos Plevris.
Novinite.com reports that while speaking in parliament, Plevris warned of a renewed migration pressure on the country, describing the situation as a developing crisis. He pointed to Crete as one of the main entry points, where arrivals by sea have increased sharply. In the past 24 hours alone, around 600 migrants reached Greek shores, according to the coast guard.
The Greek parliament has approved changes to migration procedures in line with European requirements. Under the revised system, authorities will collect full personal data upon arrival and immediately assess whether applicants qualify for refugee status, the minister said.
Under the new approach, nationals from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt who continue to arrive irregularly will no longer be considered asylum seekers by default and are expected to be returned.
Authorities will issue decisions on asylum eligibility within a 12-week period after arrival, aiming to speed up processing times and reduce uncertainty in the system.
