Greek Immigration Minister Thanios Plevris seeks temporary migrant centre at former Heraklion KTEO

Immigration and Asylum Minister Thanios Plevris told parliament that the main challenge in Greece’s migration flows is on the island of Crete. He said Crete has seen a more than 20 % rise in arrivals this year, accounting for about 70 % of all illegal sea entries to the country, while overall arrivals have fallen by roughly 25 % since 2025.

Plevris urged the regional governor to allocate the old Heraklion KTEO building for six months as a temporary processing facility, citing the lack of suitable sites in Heraklion compared with Chania, where a temporary centre is already operating. He noted that the ministry is also chartering a ship to alleviate pressure on the island and that a tender for the vessel is nearing completion.

The minister also outlined the government's broader strategy, including the creation of two temporary centres – one in Heraklion and one in Chania – and the development of EU‑backed “return hubs” in third‑country locations in Africa or Asia, with negotiations already underway with Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark. These hubs are intended to house migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected until they can be returned to their countries of origin, a plan slated for implementation from 2027.