Greece suspends asylum applications for migrants from North Africa

Greece halts asylum applications from North Africa amid a 350% surge in migrant arrivals, especially on Crete and Gavdos. Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasizes deterrence for traffickers and plans for arrests and detentions of those arriving by boat. The government faces logistical strain and overcrowding, temporarily housing migrants in inadequate facilities due to an overwhelmed infrastructure. Critics condemn European attempts to collaborate with Libya to curb departures, claiming violations of migrants' rights and dignity.