Tourists Thwart Migrant Boat Landing on Greek Island Beach

Tourists on the Greek island of Gavdos intervened when a boat carrying asylum seekers attempted to land on Sarakiniko beach. On Saturday, visitors were filmed pushing the small vessel away from the shore in an effort to prevent the group from disembarking. This incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding migration in Greece, as the country sees an increase in arrivals from North Africa.

Increase in Migrant Arrivals

The boat in question was carrying migrants from Libya, a common departure point for those seeking asylum in Europe. Local media reported that the migrants were redirected to the port for safety reasons, away from the crowd of beach-goers. This incident comes as Greece faces a significant rise in migrant arrivals through its southern borders this year.

Earlier in March 2024, Greece’s parliament enacted legislation that intensified penalties for rejected asylum seekers. This new law not only speeds up the process of returning such individuals to their home countries but also includes provisions for undocumented migrants. According to Thanos Plevris, the Minister of Immigration and Asylum, authorities are actively working to remove migrants from Gavdos. He stated, “Within two or three days everyone will have left.”

Government Policy and Human Rights Concerns

The Greek government has implemented stricter measures in response to the uptick in arrivals from Libya. A temporary ban has been placed on processing asylum applications for migrants entering through southern Europe from countries deemed safe by the European Union. Under this policy, undocumented migrants are not eligible for asylum and face potential imprisonment for a minimum of two years, along with fines that can reach up to €10,000.

Since taking office in 2019, the conservative administration led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has maintained a hardline stance on migration. The government has constructed fences along its northern borders and increased sea patrols to deter migrant crossings. These measures have drawn criticism, with human rights organizations accusing Greece of forcibly removing asylum seekers from both its land and sea borders.

Reports indicate that Greece has returned hundreds of illegal migrants, with plans for deportation flights to countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt. The European Union is currently reviewing cases that may involve human rights violations, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of Greece’s migration policies. As the situation evolves, the balance between national security and humanitarian obligations remains a critical issue for the government and the international community.