Syrian refugees argue during a registration procedure in Kos Credit: Reuters

Scuffles erupted among migrants on the Greek island of Kos today as massive queues formed outside an immigration registration centre.

Authorities on the island have been overwhelmed as hundreds of migrants and refugees have arrived on their shores every day in recent weeks.

There were chaotic scenes outside Kos stadium as hundreds of migrants queued at the centre, some waiting for days, to get immigration papers.

Some collapsed in the heat or in distress and children sobbed while clinging to their families as crowds surged to the door of the centre.

Many complained that the authorities had been unable to provide them with essentials, including water, shelter, food and sanitation.

Muhammad Shareef, who fled his native Syria, described conditions on the island as "third world".

I can't see we are in Europe. I see we are in a third world countries. No toilets, no water. People have been waiting for more than 10 days. What can I say, is this Europe? If this is Europe, we're going back to Syria. – Muhammad Shareef from Syria

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has called on Greece to take control of the "total chaos" on their islands where thousands of migrants have landed.

The UNHCR estimates Greece has received around 124,000 refugees and migrants this year until the end of July, a 750% increase on the same period last year.