Migrant arrivals to Europe drop by almost 40 per cent this year

Moscow (ANTARA) - The number of migrants arriving in Europe in 2026 has fallen by almost 40 per cent compared to the same period last year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated on Thursday (17/9).

However, many individuals have lost their lives while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, the IOM added.

“Almost 60,000 migrants and refugees have arrived in Europe via sea routes throughout 2026. This figure represents a 39 per cent decrease from 98,040 people during the same period last year,” said the IOM.

At the same time, at least 2,292 people died or went missing while attempting these crossings, compared to 1,999 people during the same period the previous year.

The sharpest decline in arrivals occurred on the Central Mediterranean route towards Italy, where arrival numbers dropped by 55 per cent, from 48,231 to 21,393 people.