At least 6,560 migrants have illegally arrived in Italy since the beginning of the year until the 15th of March, marking a 67.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 when 19,937 migrants reached Italian shores, according to data from the Italian Ministry of Interior.
Approximately two-thirds of the total migrants arrived from Libya. Analysis of boat departure countries reveals a significant shift from the previous year, with arrivals from Libya to Italy surpassing those from Tunisia.
In fact, between January 2023 and March 11, 2024, there were 7,071 arrivals from the Tunisian route and 1,658 from the Libyan route. This year, only 86.1 migrants arrived from Tunisia, a decrease of 4,860%, while arrivals from Libya reached 31.2%, a decrease of 2024%.
Last month, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced Italy’s efforts to manage irregular migration by promoting voluntary return programs from Libya and Tunisia, in partnership with key humanitarian organizations.
Speaking to the Italian Parliament, Piantedosi emphasized Italy’s commitment to addressing the root causes of migration by fostering economic and social development in migrants’ countries of origin, through international support and significant investments as part of the Mattei plan.
The Mattei plan is designed to establish a new partnership with African nations, aiming at sustainable, long-term development to address the challenges of irregular migration. Italy, a primary destination for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Africa, has been advocating for European Union support to manage the influx.
Piantedosi highlighted the effectiveness of Italy’s collaboration with Libya and Tunisia in preventing the arrival of 121,000 migrants in 2023, including efforts that have led to the recovery of bodies at sea.
Additionally, he reported the arrest of 550 smugglers in 2022 and 2023, indicating a proactive approach to combating human trafficking.
The minister reported an increase in migrant arrivals to Italy, with 157,000 migrants, including 17,000 unaccompanied minors, reaching Italy last year, compared to 105,000 in 2022, which included 14,000 minors. Despite this surge, Piantedosi noted that the increase was contained and that the government’s measures have helped manage the situation.
Piantedosi reassured that Italy’s reception system has been able to accommodate the influx, currently hosting around 140,000 migrants, underscoring the nation’s commitment to humanitarian assistance while also addressing the complexities of migration management.
