Migrant landings on Italy's coasts, following perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea, are continuing to decline, according to the interior ministry.

In the first six months of 2024, 25,345 migrants reached Italy, a 60 percent decrease from the same period last year, when 62,364 landed on Italy's shores, according to the statistical bulletin released by the interior ministry, updated on June 28.

This figure is also lower than that recorded in the same period of 2022, when 27,346 migrants arrived.

'Figure due to government's action', according to Piantedosi

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi recently commented on this trend, stating that the "results are certainly due to the government's action to combat shameful migrant trafficking while enforcing stricter migration rules, complemented by encouraging data on the forced repatriation of those who have no right to stay in Italy."

According to ministry data, 2,242 repatriations were carried out from the beginning of the year until June 10, marking a 15 percent increase compared to the 1,939 repatriations in the same period last year.

Also read: Italy 2023: Central Mediterranean becomes busiest route to Europe

Two Egyptians arrested over the death by asphyxiation of 10 migrants at sea

Meanwhile, police have identified and arrested two alleged smugglers, both Egyptian citizens, who skippered an unseaworthy boat from Libya to Italy on June 17, resulting in the asphyxiation deaths of 10 migrants during the crossing, according to investigators.

Prosecutors in Agrigento and Palermo issued arrest warrants against the two men who landed on Lampedusa the same day.

The suspects, according to investigators, "allegedly facilitated the illegal entry of 54 migrants, mainly of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationality, for profit, by skippering the boat under dire security conditions, thereby endangering lives and security."

They are accused of causing the asphyxiation deaths of 10 Bangladeshi migrants who were below deck and endangering the other passengers.

Also read: Italy: Police arrest man over teenager’s death on migrant boat

Emergency's Life Support vessel reaches Livorno

On Sunday, June 30, 47 people rescued in the Central Mediterranean by the Life Support vessel operated by medical charity Emergency reached the port of Livorno.

The rescue operation occurred on Wednesday, June 26, in international waters, in Libya's SAR zone. Three women and five unaccompanied minors were among the rescued migrants.

Meanwhile, landings are continuing to be reported on Lampedusa, where 195 migrants have arrived in just a few hours.

Also read: Hundreds of migrants reach Lampedusa on various arrivals