The creation of a permanent, closed structure of immigrants in Crete was announced by the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris. The second structure scenario is seriously examined due to increased migratory flows from Libya, with a dominant profile of young economic immigrants from Egypt.
Crete: The first permanent closed structure on the island
Speaking on Action 24, Thanos Plevris announced that Crete will acquire at least one new structure with limited freedom features. “It will be a closed, controlled structure, there will be no people stagnant,” he said, explaining that the plan is based on local needs and more general trends in migratory flows.
Local authorities had proposed the creation of two smaller structures, but the ministry chose the construction of a more constituted facility. The camp in Kastelli is among the locations being considered, and the possibility of gradual creation and a second unit was not ruled out.
Libya flows: Hybrid War and Egyptian profile
The minister referred in detail to the composition of migratory flows, referring to a “hybrid war”. According to him, immigrants arriving through Libya are mainly young Egyptians, aged 18-30, who seek to avoid military service in their country.
“Two out of three are Egyptians and the rest of the third concerns mainly citizens from Sudan,” he said, explaining that these arrivals do not fall under classic refugee flows. Libyan authorities, he said, “do not control the maritime borders”, while European warships in the region have a more monitoring role than deterrence.
At the table the policy of the ‘disincentive’
Thanos Plevris defended the strategy followed by the ministry, which he described as “political disincentive”. Explaining the philosophy behind this attitude, he set the following dilemma:
“Do we want immigrants without asylum to stay indefinitely or create disincentives to return?”
In this context, the “menu” re -examined in the hospitality structures is also included. “We will not cut their food, but we will see if they need 3 or 4 meals,” he commented meaningfully.
At the same time, the minister announced that the benefits of allowing the benefits given to immigrants and refugees is being considered.