Greek authorities have transported more than 500 migrants to a port on the mainland in an effort to relieve strain on the island of Crete after a surge in arrivals from Libya.

Greece says it is suspending asylum applications for migrants arriving on the island of Crete by sea. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the decision in parliament on Wednesday, citing

In recent days, more than 2,000 migrants have landed on Crete, prompting the Greek authorities to halt asylum hearings for those arriving from Africa.