The scenic island of Rhodes has been hit hard by an escalating migrant crisis, leaving residents demanding urgent government intervention. With over 700 undocumented migrants settled in camps around the Old Town, locals are increasingly frustrated with the government’s lack of effective action, fearing the situation is spiraling out of control.
Rhodes’ police force is stretched thin. Manolis Androulakis, president of the South Dodecanese Police Officers Union, warned that the crisis is overwhelming local law enforcement. “The situation is at a breaking point,” he stated, explaining that a shortage of officers has delayed migrant transfers to other parts of Greece, with some cases waiting nearly three weeks.
More than 135k illegal migrants have crossed the English Channel since 2018.
How did some of those people get to Britain? Perhaps their journey started here, on the Greek island of Rhodes.
I travelled to a migrant encampment on the island to find out more. pic.twitter.com/zqrd4CV8Zj
— JACK ANDERTON (@JACKGUYANDERTON) October 28, 2024
Mayor Alexandros Koliadis raised these concerns during a recent regional meeting, pointing to a severe lack of personnel in local law enforcement and the port authority, which he described as exacerbating an already difficult situation. While law enforcement tries to keep up with daily migrant arrivals, locals worry that government assistance is too slow to make an impact.
Many migrants are living in parks and public spaces, lacking basic hygiene facilities. For residents, the sight of camps scattered throughout the historic Old Town has increased tensions and sparked calls for immediate relief. “It is not possible for us to shoulder the entire burden,” Androulakis said, as locals feel abandoned by the authorities.
‘We are at breaking point!’ — Rhodes suffers under weight of migrant crisis as locals demand action https://t.co/wzguC7u6WH via @RMXnews
— B Gallagher (@Gally66kg) October 25, 2024
Though the government planned to transfer 120 migrants to the mainland this week, logistical issues have caused delays, further fueling frustration. Residents continue to call for swift action, asking that resources be increased to restore order on the island.
With no immediate relief in sight, the crisis has left locals and officials alike questioning the effectiveness of the government’s immigration policy, and for the people of Rhodes, solutions cannot come soon enough.