Greece intercepts over 500 migrants near Crete, taking emergency actions due to rising Mediterranean crossings from Libya. The influx has overwhelmed local facilities, prompting the suspension of asylum processing for three months.

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.

Greek lawmakers prepared to vote on legislation on Thursday that would temporarily halt the processing of asylum applications of people coming from North Africa, a move rights groups have called illegal.

Greek lawmakers are set to vote on new legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from North Africa amid a surge in migrants. Human rights groups have condemned the move as illegal. The measure comes as Greece seeks to control migration,