Migrant shelter establishment in Heraklion

In early August 2026, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, under Minister Thanos Plevris, approved the temporary use of a private property in the Linariidi area of Heraklion, Crete, to serve as a migrant accommodation structure. The arrangement involves the free use of approximately 2,000 square meters of land owned by the G.E. Skouloudis company for an initial two-month period, during which the Ministry planned to perform technical works to adapt the facilities for asylum seekers. This temporary phase was intended to lead toward a permanent lease contract.

By late August, the project faced formal opposition from the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and the Municipality of Heraklion. Chamber President Vangelis Karkanakis cited a lack of consultation with local stakeholders and warned that the facility, located in an active industrial and commercial zone, could negatively affect social cohesion, security, and local economic activity. Additional concerns were raised regarding road safety on the Heraklion–Moires axis, the capacity of local utility networks, and flood risks. Local residents and productive sectors have indicated they will use all available means to prevent the project, while the municipality is considering legal action.