The number of irregular border
crossings into the European Union in the first three months of 2024 was down
12% due to a significant drop in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean,
according to preliminary calculations. The Central Mediterranean was the only
major sea route to see a drop in detections of irregular crossings (-59%),
while the Western African and Eastern Mediterranean routes experienced large increases
(+510% and +109%, respectively).
The Central Mediterranean
route, which saw the highest number of irregular crossings on all migratory
routes into the EU in 2023, continued to show a downward trend from recent
months, with around 6 700 detections In March. This brought the total for the
first quarter to nearly 11 400. This is 59% lower than the figure for the same
period of 2023.
The Eastern Mediterranean edged
out the Western African route as the most active path into the EU
for irregular migrants in the first quarter, with the number of detections more
than doubling to just above 13 700.
Meanwhile, the Western African
route continued to post record numbers, with arrivals between January and March
reaching over 13 500. This was the highest total for the first three months of
the year since Frontex began collecting data in 2011.
In recent months criminal groups
involved in people smuggling in Mauritania were quick to seize opportunities
presented by the increased demand from sub-Saharan migrants transiting their
country seeking to enter the European Union via the Canary Islands. People
smugglers have been cramming an increasing number of migrants onto Cayuco
boats, putting the lives of the people on board in even larger danger.
Frontex remains committed to
safeguarding the EU's borders, with nearly 2700 officers and staff engaged in
various operations.
Key highlights for the first two months of 2024 include:
- Central
Mediterranean saw a 59% drop (y/y) in detections, highest among major migratory
routes into the EU.
- Western
Balkans also continued to see significantly lower numbers (-64%).
- Western
African route recorded the biggest rise.
- Arrivals
more than doubled Eastern Mediterranean.
- Top three
nationalities on all routes this year: Syria, Mali and Afghanistan.
Sea crossings remain extremely
dangerous for the people undertaking irregular migration. Data from the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates that 476 people have
been reported missing in the Mediterranean so far this year. The vast majority
of them were navigating the perilous Central Mediterranean route.
During the January-March period, authorities
reported nearly 5 500 detections of irregular border crossings on the Western
Balkan route, down 64% from a year ago.
On
the Channel route, the number of detections increased by 56% to 11 635
in the first three months of the year, despite often difficult weather
conditions that endanger the lives of the people seeking to reach the UK.
