The Greek Ombudsman, Andreas Pottakis, expressed his strong reaction denouncing the three-month suspension of access to asylum for newcomers from North Africa, as it is in direct violation of international and EU law, undermining fundamental principles of the rule of law.

In his letter of 10.07.2025 to the President of the Hellenic Parliament and the Government the Ombudsman welcomed the recent announcement of a first reception centre on Crete, viewing it as a positive step toward ensuring dignified treatment of newly arrived migrants. He emphasized that a permanent facility is far preferable to the prolonged use of temporary spaces like the exhibition centre in Chania or other makeshift locations currently being used across the island. The absence of official structures, he warned, can contribute to xenophobia and even racist violence.