Greece considering tougher border control following surge in migrant arrivals

Greece is considering adopting tougher migration measures following a sharp increase in migrant arrivals on the island of Crete, Greek media outlet To Vima reported on Friday, said Xinhua. Speaking in parliament on Thursday, Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris warned that the government was prepared to introduce very hard measures, should the recent rise in arrivals continue. We will not allow a repeat of the situation seen in 2015, Plevris said, referring to the peak of Europe's migration crisis. The minister noted that migration routes appear to be shifting from the Eastern Aegean toward Crete, placing new pressure on Greece's southern maritime borders. More than 600 migrant arrivals were recorded in a single day recently, with around 40 percent reportedly arriving in the city of Heraklion on Crete. Plevris said the government is assessing the situation and considering the establishment of additional reception facilities on the island. He also emphasized the importance of deterrence measures and international cooperation in migration management. Greece remains one of the main entry points into the European Union for migrants and refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Recent shifts in migration routes have raised concerns among Greek authorities over border management and reception capacity.