An emergency operation to transfer hundreds of undocumented migrants from Crete to mainland facilities has been launched by the Greek government, following a surge in arrivals from Libya the last few days, that has overwhelmed the island’s resources.
Top government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, decided on Monday that 600 to 700 migrants will be moved by Tuesday.
The decision follows the arrival of approximately 1,500 people in recent days, with boats continuing to land on Crete and Gavdos, a small island to its south. On Monday alone, at least four separate boats carrying a total of 156 migrants were located and brought to shore.
While Libyan authorities have reportedly assured Athens that the recent surge was temporary, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raised the issue with European Council President Antonio Costa during a meeting in Athens on Monday.
