In a recent parliamentary session, Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris presented data showing a significant 50% reduction in migration flows during the four-month period from August to November 2025 compared to the same period last year.

According to the minister, the key factor behind this sharp decline is the government’s new strict framework, which ensures that migrants who do not qualify for asylum are sent to prison and then deported. He noted that just before the new policy was implemented, in July, migration flows were actually higher compared to the previous year.

Minister Plevris explained, “In July, we voted to suspend asylum examinations for those entering from Libya and the coasts of North Africa. At that time, some opposition members criticized us. Now you see that other countries are copying us. Recently, the United States also adopted a similar suspension of asylum.”

He detailed the numbers: “From August to November, the number of arrivals was 13,837, compared to 27,324 during the same period in 2024—a 50% decrease.”

The minister linked this reduction to the measures taken, which specifically target migrants from certain nationalities who now understand that asylum will not be granted in Greece. These migrants also know they will be held in closed detention centers, such as the one in Sintiki. Until their asylum applications are processed—and because many do not have refugee profiles—they will remain in administrative detention and will not be free to move around.

Plevris expressed hope that this strict policy will soon lead to an increase in voluntary departures of migrants who are ultimately denied asylum. “I am not satisfied with only 5,000 to 6,000 deportations per year. This number must increase and correspond to the flow of arrivals. To achieve this, however, we must support the transformation of the facilities to properly enforce administrative detention,” he added.