Greece is planning to establish a migrant detention facility on the island of Rhodes to address the recent increase in arrivals from neighboring Turkey. Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos discussed this proposal on Tuesday, highlighting the urgent need for action due to the growing number of migrants reaching the island. Over the past few months, hundreds of migrants have arrived on Rhodes and the nearby island of Symi, prompting local authorities to voice concerns about the strain on resources.
Images circulating in local media have depicted migrants setting up temporary shelters using tents and sitting on makeshift seating made of cardboard in the center of Rhodes town. These scenes have drawn criticism from residents, stressing the absence of adequate facilities to manage the situation. Currently, Rhodes does not have a dedicated migrant facility, making the proposed temporary detention center a crucial measure, Panagiotopoulos told Greek public broadcaster ERT.
“Our goal is to move forward with this plan in the coming weeks,” Panagiotopoulos stated, emphasizing that discussions with the local community would be vital to the initiative’s progress.
According to data from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 48,000 migrants arrived in Greece between January and October, making the country the second-highest recipient of migrants in southern Europe after Italy. Of these, over 5,500 arrivals were reported on Rhodes alone, further increasing the demand for effective migrant management strategies.
Panagiotopoulos mentioned that many of these migrants, including those who are not yet registered, might need to be transferred to reception centers on the mainland. This step aims to alleviate the burden on Greek islands, where camps are nearing full capacity.
Greece has historically served as a key entry point to Europe for migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Asia. During the peak migration wave in 2015-2016, over one million migrants crossed from Turkey to Greece’s eastern islands. Tragically, many lost their lives attempting the dangerous journey in overcrowded and unstable boats.
After a decline in numbers, arrivals surged again last year, overwhelming existing migrant facilities and increasing pressure on local communities on the islands. The new plan for a temporary facility on Rhodes could be a significant step in managing these challenges more effectively.