The number of irregular migrants arriving in Italy from Libya has fallen sharply in 2026, according to new figures published by the Italian news agency Nova, although Libya remains the main departure point for migrants crossing the central Mediterranean.
The report said that 11,995 migrants had reached Italy from Libya as of 3 July 2026, compared with 27,303 during the first half of 2025.
Based on Nova’s calculations, the number of arrivals has declined by 52.73% year-on-year.
Despite the significant reduction, the report stressed that the fall in arrivals does not reflect a similar decline in migration pressures across North Africa or the risks associated with crossings through the Mediterranean Sea.
According to the agency, the Libyan migration route continues to account for approximately 83% of all irregular migrant arrivals in Italy, underscoring Libya’s central role in migration flows towards Europe.
The report noted that Libya remains a major transit and departure hub for migrants originating from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Horn of Africa, North Africa and South Asia.
Among those using the Libyan route are migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan, alongside nationals from several African countries seeking to reach Europe.
Migration across the central Mediterranean remains one of the European Union’s most pressing policy challenges, with Italy continuing to work alongside Libyan authorities and international partners to curb irregular migration and disrupt human smuggling networks.
While the latest figures point to a substantial reduction in crossings from Libya, analysts continue to warn that instability, trafficking networks and humanitarian conditions across the region remain key drivers of migration.
The Nova report concluded that, despite the lower number of arrivals recorded this year, Libya continues to dominate the central Mediterranean migration route, making developments in the country critical to future migration trends between North Africa and southern Europe.
