Greece's Southern Islands Face Fivefold Surge in Migrant Arrivals from Libya in 2025

Unprecedented Influx to Southern Greece

Southern Greece, specifically the islands of Crete and Gavdos, has experienced a dramatic increase in migrant arrivals from Libya throughout 2025. Official figures from the Hellenic Coast Guard indicate that approximately 19,948 people arrived via this route from January through late December, a more than 400 percent increase compared to the 4,935 arrivals recorded in all of 2024. The final month of the year proved particularly intense, with roughly 3,000 migrants landing on Gavdos and Crete, including approximately 1,000 people in just three days between December 26-28. These arrivals have placed significant strain on the islands' limited resources and reception capabilities.

Shifting Migration Routes and Origins

The surge is largely attributed to a shift in smuggling networks, which are now increasingly utilizing a 'southern corridor' from Libya's eastern coast, particularly near Derna and Tobruk, towards the Greek islands. This shift is partly due to:

• Favorable weather conditions in the southeastern Mediterranean.
• Tighter surveillance on traditional routes in the eastern Aegean.
• Capacity constraints of Libyan coastal enforcement, including reports of its only ocean-going patrol vessel being out of service.

The majority of new arrivals are identified as Egyptian, Sudanese, and Bangladeshi nationals. Migrants reportedly pay smugglers substantial sums, with some individuals paying around €2,500 for the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. The journey from Tobruk, Libya, to Crete spans approximately 300 kilometers.

Humanitarian Challenges and Local Response

The sudden influx has overwhelmed the reception infrastructure on Crete and Gavdos. Local authorities report a 'very frustrating situation' as thousands of migrants are housed in strained makeshift facilities. Concerns have been raised regarding:

• Temporary, informal, and unsuitable accommodation conditions.
• Lack of basic infrastructure and failure to implement proper reception and identification procedures.
• The presence of vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied minors and families with young children.

Local governments have struggled to cope with the demands for transportation, food, and temporary housing, prompting requests for increased assistance from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. For instance, the Municipality of Chania received emergency financial aid of 207,000 euros to help manage the situation.

Government and EU Actions

In response to the escalating crisis, the Greek government has taken several steps. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the deployment of two frigates and a support vessel off Libya's territorial waters to deter traffickers. Athens has also initiated talks with authorities in Cairo and Tripoli to coordinate efforts against smuggling networks. Despite tougher Greek migration laws introduced in September 2025, these measures have not deterred crossings on this southern route.

At the European Union level, there is a push for stricter migration policies. Greece's Migration Minister, Thanos Plevris, has advocated for prioritizing deportations and establishing pre-departure holding centers outside the bloc. EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Bruner, is expected to travel with representatives from Greece, Italy, and Malta to pressure Libyan officials to enforce stricter measures to prevent migrant boats from departing for Europe.