Hundreds of migrants rescued in operation off Crete
Hundreds of migrants rescued from the sea off Crete in recent days are being transferred to reception centers on Samos and Lesbos, Greek authorities announced on Sunday. The move is intended to allow officials to identify and screen the asylum seekers.
According to Greece’s Migration Ministry, the migrants will undergo identification, screening and verification before some could potentially be transferred to facilities on the Greek mainland. Authorities said the relocation is part of the country’s broader response to the recent arrivals.
The ministry insisted that the transfers would not create an additional burden for Samos or Lesbos. It also said that asylum applications that are rejected could lead to deportation procedures, adding another significant step to the processing of those rescued.
However, concerns are already emerging on the islands. According to the Greek news portal “Sto Nissi,” the mayor of Mytilini on Lesbos held a crisis meeting with local hoteliers on Sunday as preparations were made for the arrival of around 200 migrants. Another 200 were reportedly expected on Samos.
The situation is partly linked to limited facilities on Crete. The island currently has only temporary accommodation available for asylum seekers, making it difficult to keep large numbers of newly rescued migrants there for an extended period.
Greece’s Migration Ministry is planning to establish a permanent reception center on Crete. At the same time, the government says it is working with Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands on plans for deportation centers outside the European Union.
The latest transfers highlight the growing pressure on Greece as authorities deal with migrants arriving by sea and attempt to organize accommodation, screening and possible deportations across several islands and mainland facilities.