During question time at the Chamber of Deputies (the lower chamber of the Italian Parliament), Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi shared statistics on the number of migrants arriving in Italy since the start of 2024, showing a reduction of 65%.
"Italy has witnessed a notable decline in migrant arrivals since the beginning of the year, with approximately 65% fewer arrivals compared to the same period in 2022. This marks the fifth consecutive month of significant reduction when compared year-on-year," stated Matteo Piantedosi, Italy's Minister of Interior, during a session at the Chamber of Deputies last week.
'The government's objective is to fight the shameful trafficking of migrants'
Piantedosi emphasized the government's commitment to combatting migrant trafficking, particularly in light of the tragic Cutro shipwreck that claimed the lives of 94 individuals last year. "Since taking office, our government's primary objective has been to fight the shameful trafficking of migrants starting from the adoption of a series of legislative measures, which are all inspired by the need to establish a firmer respect of migration rules. Only by blocking the departures that are operated by human traffickers, we can avoid the tragedy of shipwrecks," explained the minister.
He highlighted international efforts to intensify cooperation with countries of origin and transit, particularly in Libya and Tunisia, to strengthen their capacity to combat irregular migration by land and by sea. Additionally, efforts are underway to facilitate voluntary assisted repatriations from these countries with the support of leading humanitarian organizations, he pointed out.
Also read: Italy fails to reduce sea crossings across via the Mediterranean
'Working to promote growth in the countries where migration originates'
"We are also working to curb the root causes that generate the migration flows, by promoting support for the economic and social growth of the countries of departure, with large investments for the medium and long term. These are projects that become part of the Piano Mattei, according to the directives of President Meloni," Piantedosi further elaborated.
He concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining stringent migration policies, including through increased control of the territory and repatriation of irregular migrants.
Also read: Why are so many migrants arriving on Italy’s shores?