EU Don't come here. We'll put you in jail or send you home': That's the message from Greece

[CharlieH]

 

Greece's new immigration minister, Thanos Plevris, has issued a stern warning to economic migrants from North Africa: enter Greece illegally and face jail or deportation.

 

In an exclusive interview with the Mail, Plevris made it clear that Greece will not serve as an entry point for economic migrants hoping to settle in Europe. He emphasised that Greece, along with the rest of Europe, is willing to help genuine refugees, but will crack down on those exploiting the system.

 

Plevris outlined that a majority of migrants arriving in Greece are young men from countries like Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, rather than the women and children often portrayed. This year alone, at least 10,000 migrants have arrived on Crete from Libya, contributing to Greece's severe migration crisis. As part of new measures, Greece has suspended asylum applications for three months and is preparing new legislation to enforce stricter penalties for illegal entry.

 

Emergency camps on Crete are currently holding thousands of migrants, with conditions described as tough. These facilities offer basic rations and minimal comforts, and tensions are high among those held there. The Greek government is determined to address the situation, and the European Union has recognised the crisis as exceptional, siding with Athens on recent measures.

 

Plevris believes Libya is using large vessels to send migrants to Greece, with 85% of arrivals being young men. He stressed that continued inaction would only worsen the situation, with an estimated three million migrants currently in Libya. In response, the Greek parliament has passed a law enabling strict penalties, including a five-year prison sentence or deportation for illegal entrants.

 

The Greek strategy is backed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whose government is taking significant steps to address the influx. Migrant camps with prison-like conditions are in preparation to accommodate future arrivals. The government is also reconsidering how long migrants are held in reception centres while their refugee status is determined.

 

Since implementing the new law, Greece has not seen any new boat arrivals from Libya. Despite challenging conditions, the Greek government remains resolute in its stance. Plevris warns migrants of the grim realities awaiting them, urging them to reconsider the risks of illegal migration to Europe.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily Mail  2025-07-21

 

 

[The Cyclist]

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

Greece's new immigration minister, Thanos Plevris, has issued a stern warning to economic migrants from North Africa: enter Greece illegally and face jail or deportation.

 

 

Thanos will be getting an invite to the EU Commission sans coffee, very shortly.

 

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

Emergency camps on Crete are currently holding thousands of migrants, with conditions described as tough. These facilities offer basic rations and minimal comforts

 

How can Greece do this and not the UK ?

 

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

Since implementing the new law, Greece has not seen any new boat arrivals from Libya.

 

Say it ain't so, Sam.

 

Who would have guessed that an actual deterrent would stop the boats.

 

No Smashing the gangs

 

No throwing hundreds of £ millions at others.

 

Just a simple land illegally, go straight to jail.

[save the frogs]

good

[CatCage]

Well done that man 🙂

[MalcolmB]

Bit rich for the Greeks to be complaining.

It isn’t as if they don’t show up in other countries.

Suck it up.