Plevris: Greece will no longer tolerate boatloads arriving from N. Africa

Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris stated on Thursday that Greece will no longer tolerate the arrival of large numbers of migrants and asylum seekers by boat from the shores of North Africa, calling the situation in the Libyan Sea the country’s most pressing migration challenge.

Speaking on SKAI television, Plevris emphasized the need for stronger deterrent measures at sea, declaring that “Greece will not stand by and watch boats arrive with a thousand people and not react.” He added that increased maritime patrols will be deployed if the flow continues, always in line with international law.

According to Plevris, Greece continues to advocate that refugee status should only be granted to those who meet strict international protection criteria—a stance he said is increasingly being adopted by other European countries.

The minister outlined a series of new measures aimed at discouraging irregular migration. These include suspending the submission of new asylum applications, detaining migrants who do not qualify for asylum, and re-evaluating financial support programs. “The migration ministry is not a hotel,” he said, noting that Greece cannot remain an “attractive destination” for those entering the country illegally.

Other proposed reforms include changing legislation to criminalize remaining in the country after asylum is denied and possibly abolishing the HELIOS+ integration program in favor of encouraging employment for recognized refugees. Authorities also plan to implement mandatory medical examinations to determine the age of asylum seekers, addressing concerns about adults falsely claiming to be minors.

The government is also working to strengthen bilateral return agreements with countries such as Egypt to facilitate the repatriation of migrants who do not qualify for asylum.

The statements reflect a shift toward a more hardline approach to migration as Greece seeks to manage arrivals and align more closely with emerging European policy trends.