Migrant and refugee arrivals in Greece totalled 3,795 in January, a 30% drop from the previous month.

"It is worth noting that the migratory pressure has subsided, to a very large extent, in Evros and, secondarily, in the south-eastern Aegean, while it remains noticeable in Lesvos and, secondarily, in Samos," the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum said.

Bad weather brings more migrants, not fewer

The latest report also said that, on days with bad weather conditions and strong winds, the number of migrants on trafficker vessels actually increases instead of decreasing, contrary to what had been the case in the past.

This is reportedly due to the latest tactics used by traffickers, who reportedly believe "the rain and wind to make it difficult for the coast guard to locate boats, and so they do not hesitate to put even more human lives in danger", according to the report.

Despite the recent declines in the number of people trying to enter Greece, the country's national reception and hospitality system continues to show high occupancy rates at just under 80%.

However, in January, for the first time in the last 12 months, there was a significant decrease, with almost twice as many departures as arrivals.

The report was accompanied by a statement: "The Ministry of Migration and Asylum takes all measures for the effective hosting of asylum seekers, safely for local communities and themselves, in accordance with Greek, European and international law and the national interest."

More deaths last week

Despite the latest figures showing declines in the numbers of migrants trying to enter Greece, those that do try often see their dangerous journeys reach a fatal end.

Two migrants died on Wednesday when Greek authorities reported another shipwreck, with the coast guard rescuing 57 others on a rocky shore along the northeastern coast of Lesvos in the eastern Aegean.

A search and rescue operation was launched in the early hours of Wednesday after a patrol boat from the EU border agency Frontex responded to a distress signal from a vessel.

However, due to adverse weather conditions, they were unable to approach the boat.

Greece has been a migrant "hotspot" since the peak of the so-called migrant crisis in 2015, when over 1 million people, mostly Syrian refugees, crossed into the EU from Turkey.

Although Greek authorities have been praised by the European Commission for their handling of migration issues since, and migrant figures have dropped significantly over the years, it remains a major issue for Greece and the EU.

Last month, at least 107 people were saved by Greek authorities in two separate incidents southwest of Gavdos, a small island off the south coast of Crete, as trafficking boats continue to attempt crossings into Europe despite treacherous winter weather conditions in the Aegean Sea.

A cargo ship under the flag of Panama picked up 34 passengers from a fishing vessel and transferred to Kalous Port, with 42 passengers originally having boarded the smaller, stricken boat, according to those rescued.