Migrants, arrivals by sea increased by 2 per cent in the first eight months of 2025'. From Libya to Tunisia, the countries of departure

In the first eight months of the year, according to information provided in the last few hours by the Unhcr, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 42,693 arrivals by sea were recorded, a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (42,006). Since the beginning of 2025, Libya is the first departure country with 88% of all arrivals by sea to Italy (59% in the first eight months of 2024). Tunisia is confirmed as the second departure country but with a significant reduction from 35% in the first eight months of 2024 to 8% of all arrivals by sea in the period January-August 2025. In 2025, Sicily continues to be the region most affected by landings at the national level, particularly Lampedusa, which recorded 75% of all arrivals by sea in the first eight months of the year (64% in the same period of 2024).

The report provides an up-to-date identikit of migration flows to Italy, with particular reference to the central Mediterranean route.

For the month of August 2025, 6,146 people landed on Italian shores. The figure shows a decrease of 5% compared to the previous month (6,485). The people who arrived on Italian shores in August came from Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Turkey. Libya was again the first country of departure this month, accounting for about 81% of all arrivals by sea in Italy.

65% of the people who arrived in August landed in Lampedusa. Other ports of disembarkation include Augusta, Pozzallo, Roccella Ionica, Pantelleria, Savona, Naples, Syracuse, Portopalo di Capo Passero, Sant'Antioco, Vibo Valentia, Ravenna, Salerno, Ancona, Ortona, Trapani, Noto, Porto Pino, Avola, La Spezia, Pula, Lampione, Marsala and Linosa.

At least 27 people are dead and 33 are missing according to the testimonies collected by UNHCR staff on four incidents in the central Mediterranean route in August.