Thanos Plevris assures Samos that migrant transfers from Crete are for registration only

Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, has assured local officials on Samos that the transfer of migrants from Crete to the island is conducted solely for identification and administrative purposes. He emphasized that these transfers do not imply permanent residency on Samos, as the government aims to prevent further pressure on the local communities of the Eastern Aegean.

Official data through the end of August shows that Samos recorded approximately 2,400 arrivals and 2,900 departures, resulting in a negative balance of hosted individuals. Once administrative procedures and registration for those arriving from Crete are completed, they will be promptly moved to facilities in mainland Greece to keep local occupancy levels low.

The announcement followed a meeting with local authorities, including the mayors of East and West Samos, regional representatives, and the General Secretary for Asylum Seekers, Spyros Stathoulis.