On Thursday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a 28% decline in the number of migrants arriving in Italy by sea during March 2025 compared to previous months.
Despite the drop, Libya remains the dominant country of departure, accounting for the overwhelming majority of sea crossings.
According to the report, over 2,400 migrants arrived on Italian shores in March, with approximately 92% having departed from Libya. Of those, nearly 80% arrived at the Italian island of Lampedusa, reaffirming Libya’s position as the primary gateway on the Central Mediterranean migration route.
Tunisia followed Libya as the second main point of departure, although by a significantly smaller percentage. The continued reliance on Libya as a launching point underscores the country’s complex role as both a transit and detention hub for thousands of migrants attempting to reach Europe.
The UNHCR report also outlined the nationalities of migrants arriving in Italy during the month. Migrants from Bangladesh made up the largest group, representing 37% of total arrivals. They were followed by nationals of Pakistan (14%), Egypt (9%), Syria (9%), Eritrea (6%), Sudan (5%), and Tunisia (3%).
While the overall number of arrivals decreased, the Central Mediterranean route remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors. UNHCR documented six deaths and 43 people reported missing during March alone.
These figures highlight the ongoing risks faced by migrants, many of whom attempt the journey aboard unsafe vessels after prolonged periods of detention or abuse in Libya. Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern about the humanitarian conditions in Libya’s detention centers, calling for more legal pathways to asylum and stronger international mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals.
Despite recent reductions in arrivals, Libya’s critical role in Europe’s migration dynamics remains unchanged. Without deeper reforms and improved protections, the dangers and desperation surrounding the Mediterranean route are likely to persist.
