Migration trends: Decline in boat migration to Italy and rise in Canary Islands arrivals

A recent report by German newspaper Welt am Sonntag noted a significant decline in boat migration to Italy in recent months. Citing figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the number of arrivals dropped by 63 percent as of August 12, compared to the same period last year.

This decrease is attributed to anti-smuggling operations by Libyan and Tunisian authorities, as well as agreements between the EU and North African Mediterranean countries.

Meanwhile, the number of migrants reaching the Canary Islands has more than doubled in the first seven and a half months of 2024. Figures from the Spanish Interior Ministry reveal that 22,304 migrants arrived in the Canaries by August 15, up from 9,864 during the same period last year — a 126 percent increase.

Also read: Moroccan Navy intercepts boat bound for Canary Islands amid increased migration control efforts

Decrease in sea arrivals in Italy

The number of people arriving by boat in Italy fell by 63 percent as of August 12 compared to the same period last year, with the total number of irregular sea arrivals to the EU decreasing by 30.6 percent to 91,974 people.

As a consequence, there has also been an overall decrease in the total number of asylum applications in the EU by 3 percent to around 555,000. This is a significant change for Italy which saw a record number of asylum applications in 2023, reaching 158,000, the highest since 2016.

Despite the decrease, there has been a notable increase in arrivals via the Atlantic route (up 148 percent to 21,844) and to the Greek islands (up 57 percent to 26,300). This points to a shift in route rather than a decrease in attempts to reach Europe by boat.

Also read: Italy: Overall migrant landings drop amid rise in Bangladeshi arrivals

EU and North African Agreements:

The reduction in migration to Italy is partly attributed to agreements between the EU and North African countries. Italy’s government, under far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has intensified diplomatic and economic relations with Libya and Tunisia.

Since 2015, the EU has signed agreements with countries like Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt to curb migration before it reaches EU borders. These deals involve financial and logistical support to enhance border control and maritime surveillance, including funding for equipment like boats and drones.

Meloni also recently signed a controversial refugee agreement with Albania. Human rights organizations have warned that these agreements could lead to human rights violations.

Reports from Libya highlight severe mistreatment of migrants, exacerbated by EU-supported detention centers. Similarly, concerns persist in Tunisia and Egypt regarding human rights and migrant treatment. Critics argue that while these deals aim to manage migration, they may not address its root causes and could worsen conditions for migrants in these partner countries.

Also read: EU signs controversial migration agreements in Africa

Rise in Canary Islands arrivals

In response to rising migratory pressure, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez plans to visit Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal starting August 27. This visit will be Sánchez’s second trip to Mauritania in six months, following a February meeting with EU President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss migration management and funding.

The EU is also monitoring new tactics, such as young Mauritanians booking flights to South America and then seeking asylum in Spain during a stopover. Mauritania has become a major departure point for migrants heading to the Canaries, with many boats setting sail from its shores. The dangerous Atlantic route remains perilous, with over 5,000 migrant deaths reported in the first five months of 2024, most occurring on this route.

Also read: Two migrants die on boat with 66 migrants on way to Canary Islands

With AFP, KNA