Greece to replace Heraklion migrant facility with new Athanatoi structure

Greek Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki, has confirmed that work is progressing on a new temporary housing facility in Athanatoi, Heraklion. This new structure is intended to replace the existing facility known as ‘Psygio’, which has been deemed unsuitable for service employees due to its current conditions.

Addressing concerns regarding the transfer of migrants, Voloudaki clarified that the Ministry of Migration is not responsible for the direct decision-making or logistics of transport, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. The Ministry’s role is to ensure that transfers via specially chartered vessels occur promptly so that individuals can be moved to appropriate facilities based on their profiles, minimizing overnight stays in transit areas.