Compared to February, Italy saw a 4% decrease in the number of migrants arriving by sea. Compared to 3,479 in January, 3,329 people showed up overall.
According to a UNHCR statement, 3,329 people disembarked on the Italian coasts in February 2025, which is 4% less than the previous month. However, overall, compared to the same period in 2024, arrivals have increased by 49% since the start of the year.
But according to a March 5 UNHCR press release, more than 6,800 sea arrivals have been reported since January, representing a 49 percent overall increase compared to the same period in 2024.
According to reports gathered by UNHCR on two shipwrecks that happened last month, at least four people perished from hypothermia or burns or hydrocarbon inhalation.
The February arrivals on the Italian coasts came from Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Turkey. According to UNHC, the majority of weighed anchor arrived in Italy by sea, making up about 92% of all arrivals.
In order to provide information on the new arrivals and to ensure that minors and the most vulnerable individuals are promptly identified and taken care of for services and specialized care, the UN Refugee Agency stated that it is present in the areas where migrants are arriving and that it continues to support the Italian authorities with teams, working with national and European agencies and other partners.
The UNHCR is still urging states to increase their capacity and resources so they can effectively carry out their duties.
Additionally, the agency reaffirmed its call for cooperation in bolstering maritime search and rescue operations and expanding access to regular and secure routes to the European Union for individuals seeking international protection.