Greece temporarily suspended asylum applications for migrants arriving in Crete from Libya due to a surge in arrivals exceeding 10,000 this year. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a three-month suspension, citing an emergency situation and plans to build a detention center. The government aims to deter human trafficking and collaborate with Libyan coast guards for migrant returns. A recent incident involved intercepting a trawler with 520 migrants. The suspension applies only to sea arrivals on Crete, and migrants will be detained. This follows a diplomatic spat between Libya and the EU.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.