Crete: New Migrant Arrivals and Dire Living Conditions

The flow of migrants and refugees to Crete continues, with existing accommodation facilities facing severe overcrowding. According to Cretan media, 303 refugees and migrants were located near Gavdos and transported to Crete by the coast guard.

Temporary accommodation facilities in Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno are overcrowded, creating unsanitary conditions for both migrants and workers. Due to government measures, new arrivals are considered detainees, resulting in a halt to their transfer to the mainland.

In Agyia, Chania, the temporary reception area has become a closed facility, with no transfers since August 18. Conditions are dire, with inadequate air conditioning, limited toilets, and a lack of suitable infrastructure. The spread of dermatological diseases, such as staphylococcus, creates dangerous conditions.

The coast guard workers' union reports "dangerous and unacceptable conditions in temporary migrant detention areas," emphasizing that personnel are being asked to perform duties outside their responsibilities, in understaffed shifts.

It is also mentioned that the provision of the Minister of Migration, Mr. Plevris, which provides for the transfer of illegally entering persons to closed facilities, is not being implemented, with the result that the Coast Guard is constantly guarding detainees in unsuitable areas.