Following his inspection of the detention/temporary accommodation areas in Agia (Chania) and the port of Heraklion on 22 and 23 July 2026, the Ombudsman highlighted the need to create permanent facilities with dignified conditions for third-country nationals arriving irregularly in Crete. He further stressed that the abandoned warehouses in Chania and the old offices in Heraklion that were made available on an emergency and temporary basis are unsuitable spaces that aggravate the situation. Such problematic infrastructure presents challenges not only for foreigners accommodated there, but also for actors involved in delivering services to them. Through a press release, the Ombudsman called on the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum to take, after a substantive dialogue with the local community, all the measures required in accordance with Greek and European law.
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- Greek Ombudsman | Συνήγορος του Πολίτη (3 September, 2026), Δελτίο Τύπου | Μόνιμες δομές με αξιοπρεπείς συνθήκες για τους μετανάστες/πρόσφυγες που φτάνουν στην Κρήτη, ζητά ο Συνήγορος του Πολίτη [Press Release | The Ombudsman calls for permanent structures with decent conditions for migrants/refugees arriving in Crete],