# Greek migration policy enforcement and arrival statistics > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-migration-ministry-activities-and-misinformation > Updated: 2026-09-05T11:06:51.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3. Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris conducted a series of visits to the Imathia and Pella regions on August 31, 2026, inspecting asylum seeker accommodation facilities in Alexandreia and Veria. During these visits, Plevris announced a stricter migration policy focused on enforcement, stating that the “era of subsidies is over.” He emphasized that individuals whose asylum requests are rejected will face administrative detention or deportation, noting that those without refugee profiles will be held in closed facilities. He also highlighted government investment in local infrastructure, including over 8 million euros for compensatory projects. Plevris addressed tensions involving Bangladeshi nationals and the role of their embassy in organizing deportation flights. He also issued warnings regarding a wave of “fake news” and disinformation on social media, which he attributed to “political toxicity” surrounding the upcoming 2027 elections. He identified specific instances of misleading material, such as three-year-old videos being presented as current footage and scenes from the Ioannina/Theouata region being falsely labeled as occurring in Crete. In a related development, Deputy Minister Sevi Voloudaki visited the Evros border region to inspect the KTY Phylakio reception center and the Kastanies border fence, stating that current low migration flows are a direct result of government policies. On September 5, 2026, speaking at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, Plevris reported a significant reduction in illegal arrivals. He stated that arrivals dropped to 41,900 between August 2025 and July 2026, compared to 61,012 during the previous year. He attributed this decrease of approximately 20,000 arrivals to the Coast Guard and deterrent measures, including new legal frameworks involving imprisonment. ## Claims - There were 61,012 illegal arrivals between August 2024 and August 2025. (disputed by 3 sources) - There were 41,900 illegal arrivals between August 2025 and July 2026. (disputed by 3 sources) - Misleading visual material regarding migration is being circulated online. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A three-year-old video from an unrelated facility is being presented as current footage from the Sinthiki facility. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Footage from the migrant influx in Theoupa is being falsely presented as occurring in Crete. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Images of a private space are being falsely identified as a Ministry of Migration and Asylum facility for unaccompanied minors. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The rise in misinformation is linked to political toxicity regarding the 2027 elections. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Thanos Plevris reported a decrease in illegal arrivals. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Illegal arrivals decreased by approximately 20,000 during the specified period. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The decrease is attributed to Coast Guard work and new deterrent measures including imprisonment. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Returns of migrants have increased. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Thanos Plevris reports 20,000 fewer illegal arrivals in Greece Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris reported a decrease of approximately 20,000 illegal arrivals between August 2025 and July 2026, citing deterrent measures and Coast Guard efforts. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thanos-plevris-reports-20000-fewer-illegal-arrivals-in-greece ### 2026-08-31: Greek migration officials conduct regional tours and address misinformation Greek migration officials are touring northern regions to implement new asylum policies, emphasizing closed facilities for ineligible migrants and addressing the rise of social media misinformation. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thanos-plevris-denounces-fake-news-regarding-greek-migration ### 2026-08-26: Thanos Plevris to visit Imathia region Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris will visit Imathia on August 31, 2026, to inspect asylum seeker facilities and meet with regional officials. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thanos-plevris-to-visit-imathia-region --- Cite as: Greek migration policy enforcement and arrival statistics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-migration-ministry-activities-and-misinformation