Farhana Haque NIla : From the beginning of this year until the first week of July, the highest number of migrants reaching Italy by sea were from Bangladesh. They are followed by Somalia and various other African countries. After Bangladeshis, Pakistanis are the next highest group from Asia. However, the total number of migrants reaching Italy by sea has decreased significantly compared to the same period over the last two years.
According to data released by the country’s Ministry of Interior, a total of 14,623 migrants from different countries reached the coast of Italy by crossing the Mediterranean Sea between January 1 and July 7, 2026.
Country-wise statistics show that Bangladeshis remain at the top among migrants reaching Italy by sea this year as well. During this period, 4,314 Bangladeshis arrived in Italy, which accounts for nearly one-third of all arriving migrants.
Somalia holds the second position after Bangladesh (1,702 people). This is followed by Sudan (1,371), Pakistan (1,185), Algeria (1,106), Egypt (936), Eritrea (662), Tunisia (626), Mali (310), Nigeria (291), Ivory Coast (216), Ethiopia (199), Iran (183), South Sudan (180), and Guinea (179).
In addition, there are 1,163 other migrants from various countries, including individuals whose identity verification process is ongoing.
Arrival Rate Has Decreased
An analysis of the statistics for the same period this year shows that the arrival of migrants in Italy by sea has significantly decreased compared to the last two years.
From January 1 to July 7, 2025, a total of 31,430 migrants reached Italy. During the same period in 2024, that number was 26,664. In contrast, 14,623 people arrived during the same period this year, which is about 53 percent lower than in 2025 and nearly 45 percent lower than in 2024.
Monthly statistics also show that from January to June 2026, the total number of migrants in every single month was lower than in the previous two years. In January, 1,457 migrants reached Italy by sea, followed by 2,510 in February, 2,150 in March, 2,459 in April, 3,054 in May, and 2,758 in June.
The Ministry of Interior stated that these data were prepared based on documented sea arrivals recorded up to 8:00 AM on July 7, and the figures may change slightly after further verification.
