New data released by the Italian Ministry of Interior reveals that 47,300 unauthorized migrants have entered the country from Libya since the beginning of 2023.
The data, released yesterday, Monday, shows that approximately 30,000 of these migrants departed from the western region, while the remaining number arrived from the eastern region, according to the Italian news agency “Nova.”
Italy Receives 95,000 Migrants via the Tunisian Route
Italy has received a staggering 95,000 migrants via the Tunisian route, averaging 300 migrants per day. This marks a significant increase compared to 2022 when only 32,000 migrants arrived via this route, according to data obtained by “Nova.”
Italy Announces Strategies to Halt Influx of Migrants
According to the latest estimates from the International Organization for Migration, from the beginning of the year until November 11th, 13,611 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya. Among them were 10,352 men, 943 women, and 494 minors. Data regarding the nationalities of 2,433 migrants is not available. Tragically, 939 people lost their lives at sea, and 1,248 are still missing after the sinking of their boats in the Mediterranean.
The surge in unauthorized migration from Libya to Italy in 2023 has raised significant concerns for both countries. Italy has struggled to cope with the influx of migrants, particularly those arriving via the Tunisian route, which has seen a dramatic increase compared to the previous year.
The situation has also led Italy to announce new measures and strategies to address the issue and prevent further unauthorized entries. At the same time, international organizations like the International Organization for Migration are actively involved in assisting and tracking the migrants, with a focus on ensuring their safety and well-being.
The high number of interceptions and returns, along with the tragic loss of lives at sea, underscores the dangerous journey that many migrants undertake in their quest for a better life in Europe. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by countries in the Mediterranean region in managing the migration crisis. Efforts are needed to find sustainable solutions that prioritize human rights and safety while addressing the root causes of migration.