An Italian security report has revealed that the country received 157,551 irregular migrants via various Mediterranean migration routes last year, with 51,986 migrants arriving from Libya.
The number of migrants to Italy increased by about 50% compared to 2022, with the peak recorded in August 2023, when 25,673 migrants arrived, according to the report published by the AKI agency.
The Tunisian migration route ranked first with 97,667 migrants, followed by the Libyan route, then Turkey with 7,153 migrants, Algeria with 620 migrants, Lebanon with 214 migrants, and one migrant from Cyprus.
The report was issued on the occasion of the 172nd anniversary of the establishment of the Italian police forces.
In February, 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.
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.
