Libya leads migrant arrivals in Italy

Libya has emerged as the primary source country for migrants arriving in Italy without authorisation, according to a report published by Italy’s Nova News Agency. As of 30 December 2023, a total of 30,147 individuals undertook the perilous journey from Libya to Italy.

The report highlights that these figures represent the majority of arrivals in Italy. Meanwhile, 15,931 migrants arrived from Tunisia, constituting 29.57% of the total.

Most migrants departing from Libya embarked on their journey from the capital, Tripoli. A smaller proportion, approximately 3.11% or 939 migrants, set sail from Libya’s eastern region.

According to the latest report from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), there were 761,322 migrants in Libya between June and July 2024. These migrants are dispersed across 100 municipalities, underscoring the country’s significant role as a hub for migration in the Mediterranean.

Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered considerably due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has resulted in fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting both the global oil market and Libya’s domestic economy.

The conflict in Libya has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Migrants and refugees who are using Libya as a transit point to Europe have been particularly affected, facing extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.