Some 35,725 people have arrived in Italy using irregular means since the beginning of the year, compared to 94,009 in the same period in 2023.

However, the nationality leading the tally is Bangladesh, with 7,615 individuals arriving from there. This is followed by Syrians (5,725) and Tunisians (4,747).

Amid the political crisis and unrest in Bangladesh, authorities are worried that more people from Bangladesh might embark on journeys to Europe.

Attention on route from Egypt

Many Bangladeshi migrants take flights to Egypt to embark on dangerous sea crossings from there to Italy.

Following the civil unrest in the Asian country, this migrant route is particularly being monitored closely at the moment.

Authorities say they are also taking a closer look at arrivals from Syria amid the threat of further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Albania migrant center opening imminent

Meanwhile, construction continues for a migrant reception center in Albania, funded by the Italian government. According to the an agreement signed between Rome and Tirana, the facility will host people intercepted by Italian authorities in international waters in the Mediterranean.

The opening of the facility had to be postponed once already to later this month. Authorities on both sides of the Adriatic Sea are hoping that it will be functional soon.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi recently spoke of an opening date to take place "a matter of weeks."

Lampedusa: rate of arrivals slowing down

New arrivals meanwhile continue teach the Italian island of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean, though at a slower rate than before.

A total of 421 migrants reached the island over the weekend in 12 landings, with people originating from Bangladesh, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Liberia, Egypt, Pakistan and Syria. Some migrants reported paying up to $9,000 to smugglers to facilitate their journeys to Europe.

Over half of those currently in Lampedusa will be transferred to the mainland imminently to avoid overcrowding.