Greece Pauses Asylum Processing for Migrants from North Africa

The Greek government has announced a temporary suspension of asylum applications from migrants arriving from North African countries, citing efforts to manage a surge in arrivals and alleviate pressure on its asylum system.

Under the new directive, Greece will pause processing claims from individuals originating from countries such as Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco. Authorities explained that this measure is aimed at prioritizing cases of migrants from war-torn regions, as the country faces a significant backload and limited administrative capacity.

Interior Ministry officials stated that migrants affected by the pause will be detained at entry points—such as sea ports and land crossings—until the suspension is lifted. The length of the halt has not been specified, but officials emphasized it is intended as a temporary emergency response, not a permanent policy shift.

Critics warn that the action could contravene international obligations and human rights commitments under asylum law. Humanitarian groups cautioned that migrants from North African countries may face risks if returned or left in legal limbo without access to protection mechanisms.

Greece has experienced a sharp increase in migrant arrivals across the eastern Mediterranean in recent months, driven by political unrest and economic hardship in various regions. The government has responded with a mix of border enforcement, administrative adjustments, and diplomatic appeals to European partners for burden-sharing measures.

While this pause is framed as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the asylum system, it raises concerns about the treatment of migrants and the broader European response to migration flows across the Mediterranean.

With input from Al Jazeera