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To date, more than 100,000 migrants have crossed the Mediterranean to Europe. That's more than 54,000 fewer people than at the same time last year and more than 237,000 fewer than two years ago. This is clear from new statistics from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). With more than 49,000 migrants arriving, Spain is now the most important place of arrival, followed by Greece (more than 27,000) and Italy (over 22,000).
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Read also: Figures on migrant arrivals in Italy show the impact of measures taken by the EU, Italy and African countries against migration. More than 111,000 migrants arrived in Italy last year until the end of October, which made it by far the most important arrival country, with more 22,000 this year.
This is not just because the new populist government, with the anti-migration party Lega in the coalition, has regularly closed the ports for migrant ships. EU pressure on African countries to stop migrants, including through financial incentives, also applies.
In addition, some African countries, with the help of IOM, have decided to return to their country of origin the stranded migrants in Libya. The images that CNN made of Libyan slave markets where Africans were auctioned played a role.
In early January, two Nigerian planes landed in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, to repatriate the first of thousands of Nigerian migrants. This is now reflected in the numbers. While Nigerians were the largest group with more than 17,000 migrants arriving in Italy last year, more than 1,200 Nigerians arrived in Italy this year until the end of the month. October. Tunisians are now the largest group of immigrants to Italy with more than 4,800 people, followed by more than 3,000 Eritreans. The Syrians have left Italy in the top 10 countries of origin.
In Spain, most migrants arrived with more than 9,000 from Guinea, followed by Morocco and Mali, each with more than 7,000. In Spain, Syrians with more than 1,200 refugees are still present in the first ten countries of origin. In Greece, with more than 7,000 inhabitants, they are still the largest group, followed by Afghans (more than 6,000) and Iraqis (over 5,000).
This year, 1,989 deaths were recorded until the crossing of the Mediterranean. Last year, there were 2,960 so far. The last major disaster occurred on October 22nd. A boat carrying 34 people on board capsized off the Turkish coast of Bodrum.
Most passengers could be saved, but at least three minor victims were affected. Two Palestinian children and a Somali child died in Bodrum hospital. About 27% of deaths this year are minor.
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