The Ministry of Migration has suspended plans to build a closed migrant detention facility on Crete after strong opposition from local officials.

In a virtual meeting on Friday with mayors of migrant-receiving areas and Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris proposed adopting the region’s plan for three temporary registration centers, one in each of Crete’s prefectures. Deputy Minister Sevi Voloudaki and Asylum Reception General Secretary Dimitris Glymis also participated.

Plevris asked municipal officials to suggest locations for the new facilities, saying the ministry would “assist with their funding.” He emphasized that temporary centers are urgently needed to avoid scenes like those two weeks ago, when hundreds of migrants were stranded at the port. While migrant flows have halted for 10 days, new arrivals remain likely.

Although not ruling out a future closed facility, Plevris assured officials that no decisions will be made without consultation.

He added, however, that in any case, the new facility could not have been built in time over the summer to immediately address a potential increase in migrant arrivals.

He also added that for as long as the suspension of the right to apply for asylum remains in effect, “spaces have been secured either in Pre-Departure Detention Centers (PROKEKA) operated by the Hellenic Police, or in facilities of the Ministry of Migration that will be made temporarily available to detain those who arrive.”

“Most will not burden Crete,” he added.

Arnaoutakis welcomed the ministry’s shift toward the regional proposal – first made two and a half years ago – but stressed the need for state resources to ensure humane conditions.

As the last group of recent arrivals prepares to leave this weekend, port authorities remain on alert.

Favorable smuggling conditions are expected in the coming days due to calm seas and high temperatures.

Source: Ekathimerini.com