Migrant arrivals have dropped by 62% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to figures released on Sunday.
Whilst migrant arrival figures have dropped significantly this year, there has been a surge in arrivals from Bangladesh. So far, 35,725 people have arrived in Italy, compared to 94,009 in the same period in 2023. The largest groups are Bangladeshis (7,615), followed by Syrians (5,725) and Tunisians (4,747).
Sources report that the route from Bangladesh to Egypt, leading to Mediterranean crossings to Italy, is under close watch. The political crisis in Bangladesh may cause an increase in migration from the region.
Italy to Process 16,000+ Asylum Applications in 2026-27
Between June 2026 and June 2027, Italy must examine up to 16,032 asylum applications. This is the highest quota in the EU, representing 26.7% of the total. In 2027-2028, the number for Rome will rise to 24,048, the report stated.
These figures come from a report on the annual ceiling of applications to be screened by border procedure for EU countries, published in the Official Journal. Countries must ensure adequate reception capacity and human resources. Once the screening quota is reached, the solidarity mechanism will be triggered.
Piantedosi says immigration policies are working
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi blamed “massive and uncontrolled arrivals” of migrants in the past for rising reception costs. However, he noted that migrant boat arrivals have dropped due to strict immigration policies.
Ministers from the current government credit the drop in migrant arrivals to cooperation with North African partners, especially Libya and Tunisia. Piantedosi added that the government’s “Mattei” plan for Africa has led to increased collaboration with countries like Ivory Coast, contributing to fewer arrivals from those regions.
For those who did reach Italy, the government has ramped up repatriations. Piantedosi informed the chamber, “In the first six months of 2024, 9,000 assisted deportations have taken place, 5,111 from Libya and 3,800 from Tunisia.” He emphasized that deportations have risen by 20% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. In total, 3,080 migrants have been deported from Italy. The minister stated that the government’s goal is to “effectively increase the number of deportations.”
Regarding reception costs, Piantedosi highlighted that the high expenses were inherited from the previous government, which he accused of allowing “massive and uncontrolled arrivals of migrants.” He noted that more migrants arrived in 2023 under Meloni’s government than during Mario Draghi’s tenure in 2022. “The expenses for managing reception to date amount to 1.7 billion euros per year,” said Piantedosi.
