Greece now calls its migrant crisis an ‘invasion,’ suspends asylum, detains all new arrivals

It took some time, but it appears Europe is waking up to the impact of the invasion of migrants on its shores.

Greece is reportedly facing a “state of emergency” as the government seeks to deal with the “invasion” at its border, with an influx of migrants coming from Libya. Asylum claims have been suspended in the face of vast numbers of migrants, many male, arriving at Crete after a journey from North Africa, according to the BBC.

“Anyone who comes will be detained and returned,” Greece’s new migration minister, Thanos Plevris, told the BBC in a move that breaks with standard asylum policies in the European Union.

“More than 7,000 migrants reached Crete between January and late June, more than three times the number in 2024,” BBC reported. “In all, the EU’s Frontex border agency recorded almost 20,000 crossings in the Eastern Mediterranean in that period, with the Libya-Crete corridor now the main route.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament this month that all migrants “entering illegally” would be arrested.

“The road to Greece is closing,” he said.

247 illegal migrants arrived by boat in Greece from Libya today.

They were all arrested.

Greece has suspended the right to apply for asylum and is now arresting people who arrive illegally.

If they don’t leave voluntarily, they could be sentenced to up to 2 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/pCEHq6ju9G

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 20, 2025

“I want to be completely honest. We try to strike a balance between respect for their rights and respects for the people in Greece,” Plevris said. “Anyone who enters Greek territory over the next three months knows they are violating Greek law.”

Greece’s migration minister from Copenhagen, where a meeting with EU ministers is taking place, says that that “the return of illegal migrants should be our first priority. If you enter Europe illegally or your asylum application is rejected you have no right to stay in Europe.” pic.twitter.com/YiOWQjG1QS

— Daphne Tolis (@daphnetoli) July 22, 2025

Reactions on social media applauded the strong stand by Greece, with many wondering what the rest of Europe is waiting for.

Greece just did what every country has the RIGHT—and DUTY—to do: protect its people, enforce its laws, and shut the door on the globalist border scam. Brussels can whine all it wants. The people are DONE being overrun.

— Jane Adams (@iLoveJaneAdams) July 24, 2025

Finally some common sense prevailing!

— Orestes (@orestistzo) July 30, 2025

Wow!!! Finally!!! Good job Greece! We wish you the best: Make Greece Great Again, without illegal migrants!

— Hoffmann Kate (@olvaso1) July 30, 2025

Greece just showed what leadership looks like. No loopholes, no excuses. Secure the borders, protect your people – it’s not complicated. Time for the UK to wake up.

— Artur Nadolny (@ArturNadol7566) July 24, 2025

WATCH: Greece LOCKS UP migrants after declaring ‘INVASION of Europe is o… https://t.co/khPkuZm6Fi via @YouTube
The rest of Europe needs to take a leaf out if Greeces book for having the balls to act with common sense.

— D m R (@dmcreid1) July 30, 2025

Britain needs to claim invasion in England.

— DoctorBritain (@DavidADFisher66) July 29, 2025

Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands… its time to follow suit.
Save your countries and your people. Anything else is treason.

— JacobHaust (@JacobHaust) July 24, 2025

Senior Staff Writer
[email protected]

Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

Latest posts by Frieda Powers (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.