Greece transfers migrants from Crete to Lesbos and Samos

Greece has begun transferring migrants from Crete to the islands of Lesbos and Samos to facilitate identification, screening, and border control procedures. Authorities reported that approximately 420 individuals were moved, with roughly 220 sent to Lesbos and 200 to Samos.

Migration Minister Thanos Pleuris stated that Crete has become a primary front for migration pressures, noting approximately 12,000 arrivals on the island. He emphasized that these transfers are temporary and intended to utilize the specialized expertise and infrastructure available on the North Aegean islands. The Ministry of Migration and Asylum maintains that these movements are proportional and will not overburden island facilities, as many migrants are also being moved to mainland facilities.

The policy has met with local opposition. In Mytilene, the Governor of the North Aegean organized an emergency meeting where local leaders expressed strong opposition to receiving migrants from other regions. Regional and municipal councils in Lesbos and Samos are expected to hold formal sessions to decide on their official stance regarding these transfers.