ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s government said Wednesday it is temporarily suspending asylum applications for migrants arriving on the island of Crete, following a spike in arrivals from Libya.

In a shift in migration policy, Greece is implementing stringent new measures to deter irregular migrant flows, particularly from Libya.

A leading humanitarian group criticised Greece on Thursday after its government announced it would pause for three months all asylum hearings for people arriving in boats from North Africa, to deter a migration surge from Libya.

No changes are expected to be seen in Greece’s tough migration policy under Plevris who, like Voridis and current health minister Adonis Georgiadis, joined the conservative New Democracy in 2012, leaving the right-populist Popular Orthodox Rally, or LAOS.

Greece & Cyprus have issued the first negative decisions in 14 years launching procedures for the return of those who do not meet the conditions - Asylum is reviewed & revoked for those who have been

Greece will end mass legalization programs for migrants and jail those awaiting deportation under tougher policies set to take effect this summer, Migration Minister Makis Voridis said Friday ...

A hard-right lawmaker has replaced Greece's migration and asylum minister amid a political shake-up.

The migrants, consisting mostly of young men, were transferred overnight aboard a bulk carrier after their fishing trawler was intercepted by Greek authorities.