Greece suspends asylum applications for migrants from North Africa

Impacts emerging refugee crisis

The Greek government has announced the suspension of asylum applications for migrants from North Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, in response to the ongoing refugee crisis. This decision is a significant escalation of the country's immigration policy and follows the recent admission of Afghan nationals to military bases.

Statement by Greek Prime Minister

In a statement, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the need to address the increasing migratory pressures on the country's borders, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in managing migration and asylum issues. He cited recent incidents of migrant boats arriving on Italian islands and the ongoing struggle to manage asylum applications as key considerations in this decision.

Human rights concerns

Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the potential humanitarian consequences of this move, with Amnesty International urging the Greek government to reinstate access to asylum for migrants from North Africa. The suspension of asylum applications for this group of individuals raises questions about the fairness of the asylum process and the potential for refugees to access the protection they need.

Regional impact

The decision by Greece has major implications for the broader European Union's attempt to develop a unified approach to managing the refugee crisis. It could trigger a domino effect, with other EU member states facing increasing pressure to address the escalating refugee and migration situation.