Greece and the European Union are urging Bangladesh to help curb irregular migration routes through Libya and Egypt, as authorities report a rise in Bangladeshi arrivals on Crete.
Athens is seeking cooperation from Dhaka and Gulf countries to restrict travel routes used by migrants reaching North Africa before attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Greece.
According to Kathimerini, more than 1,000 migrants arrived on Crete in recent days, with many landing in the Ierapetra area on the island’s southeastern coast.
Although overall migrant arrivals in Greece declined between August 2025 and July 2026, the route connecting Libya with Crete remains a significant concern for Greek authorities.
Nationwide arrivals fell from approximately 62,000 to 42,000 over the period, but officials remain concerned about the number of people departing from Libya, where more than 500,000 refugees and migrants are reportedly residing.
Greek officials have also raised concerns about limited cooperation from authorities in eastern Libya, complicating efforts to manage departures and prevent irregular crossings.
Athens seeks cooperation with Bangladesh and Gulf states
The Greek government and the EU are pressing Bangladesh to help address the movement of its nationals through international transit routes, including flights connecting Gulf countries with Cairo, Benghazi and Tripoli.
Athens is also seeking greater cooperation from Gulf states to restrict transit arrangements that facilitate onward travel to Libya and Egypt.
Alongside these efforts, Greece and Bangladesh are coordinating on migrant identification procedures and the organisation of charter flights to return people to their country of origin.
The measures under consideration reportedly include possible suspensions of asylum procedures, although the scope and implementation of any such changes remain unclear.
Crete remains a key migration entry point
The increase in arrivals has placed renewed attention on Crete, which has become an important entry point for migrants crossing from North Africa.
Greek authorities distinguish between people fleeing conflict, including Sudanese nationals escaping the civil war, and Bangladeshi nationals travelling through established air routes to reach Libya before attempting the Mediterranean crossing.
The distinction is central to Athens’ approach, as officials seek to address irregular migration through a combination of international cooperation, identification procedures and returns.
Greece and the EU are expected to continue pressing Bangladesh and transit countries to take a more active role in preventing irregular departures towards Europe.
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