ATHENS (Reuters) -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.

Greece is temporarily suspending asylum applications from migrants who reach the country by sea from North Africa. After two days of debate, the parliament in Athens voted to approve the measure on Friday.

Greece has suspended asylum claims for migrants arriving from North Africa, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and the UN over legality and human rights.