Over 8,100 irregular migrants landed in Italy by sea in November, marking an increase of approximately 42 percent compared to the previous month (5,722), according to a statement from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) released on December 3.
Between January and September, migrant arrivals in Italy by sea fluctuated as follows:
- January: 2,258
- February: 2,301
- March: 6,857
- April: 4,721
- May: 4,976
- June: 4,902
- July: 7,465
- August: 8,526
- September: 7,685
Libya primary departure point
The migrants arriving on Italian shores in November departed mainly from Libya, Tunisia, Turkey, and Algeria. Libya was the leading departure point, accounting for approximately 76 percent of all sea arrivals to Italy.
Around 75 percent of the November arrivals disembarked at Lampedusa.
Other ports of entry included Pozzallo, Trapani, Genoa, Roccella Ionica, Reggio Calabria, Crotone, Augusta, Catania, Naples, Syracuse, Vibo Valentia, Livorno, Lampione, Porto Pino, Ortona, Ancona, Palermo, Brindisi, Salerno, Capo Teulada, Civitavecchia, and Pula.
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Demographics, increase in Syrian refugees
The primary countries of origin for migrants in 2024 (January–October) were:
- Bangladesh: 20 percent
- Syria: 18 percent
- Tunisia: 12 percent
- Egypt: 6 percent
- Guinea: 5 percent
- Pakistan: 5 percent
- Sudan: 3 percent
- Eritrea: 3 percent
- Mali: 3 percent
- Gambia: 2 percent
Between January and October 2024, over 10,000 Syrians arrived in Italy, even before the recent intensification of fighting in their homeland. This marks a notable resurgence in Syrian arrivals, after previous peaks of 26 percent and 25 percent in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Among Syrians arriving in 2024, 77 percent are men, 7 percent are women, 11 percent are accompanied children, and 6 percent are unaccompanied minors.
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UNHCR's activities and call to action
UNHCR is actively present at disembarkation points, providing support alongside Italian authorities, national and European agencies, and other partners. This includes disseminating information to new arrivals and ensuring timely identification and care for minors and vulnerable individuals through specialized services, the agency's note underlines.
The UN refugee agency "continues to urge states to enhance resources and capabilities to effectively meet their responsibilities. In particular, it renews its call for strengthened cooperation to bolster search and rescue mechanisms at sea and to promote broader access to safe and regular pathways within the European Union for individuals seeking international protection," the statement concludes.
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