Greek authorities have released data indicating a significant downturn in the number of asylum seekers arriving irregularly from Turkey in March. According to official statements published on April 8, 2,231 migrants reached Greece from Turkey during the month, marking a notable decrease of approximately 42 percent compared to the previous month. This decline follows a broader trend, with arrivals plummeting by over 80 percent since September 2023.
Notably, the reported figures exclude arrivals from eastern Libya, a point emphasized by the migration ministry. In March, arrivals from this region totaled 333, down from 528 in February. The downward trend is corroborated by data from the UN Refugee Agency, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which recorded 2,568 arrivals by land and sea in March, compared to 4,282 in February. This represents a decrease of nearly 80 percent since September 2023.
The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum has also highlighted a concurrent decongestion in the country’s facilities for asylum seekers. The number of resident third-country nationals in 33 centers across Greece dropped to 23,245 in March from 27,554 in February, marking a decrease of 15.6 percent. This downward trend is particularly pronounced on the Eastern Aegean islands, where residents decreased by 40.9% compared to January 2024.
While these developments are promising, Greek authorities remain vigilant, cautioning against complacency. The ministry noted that recent fluctuations are not solely attributable to seasonal factors but also reflect changing migration dynamics influenced by various geopolitical factors.
Despite the overall decline in migrant arrivals, Greece continues to grapple with challenges in managing migration flows, particularly in light of recent tragedies at sea. On April 10, Greek authorities confirmed the deaths of three children in a shipwreck near the island of Chios, underlining the persistent risks faced by migrants undertaking perilous journeys across the Aegean.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding a surge in trafficking attempts via Crete, prompting Greece to seek assistance from the European Commission. The government aims to negotiate a new agreement with Egypt to address the influx of irregular migrants traversing the Mediterranean route via Crete, particularly from Egypt.
However, local NGOs have voiced apprehension over the lack of infrastructure and support to accommodate migrants on Crete. Refugee Support in the Aegean (RSA) and Souda Shelter — Immigrant Shelter of Chania have highlighted the need for improved reception facilities and asylum processing mechanisms to manage the situation effectively.