Italy cuts illegal sea immigration by 62.4% in 2024

In 2024, Italy has seen a significant reduction in illegal immigration by sea, with a reported 62.4% drop in arrivals compared to the previous year. As of August 12, approximately 37,000 migrants reached Italy, a stark contrast to around 100,000 during the same period in 2023. This decline is attributed to the stringent anti-immigration policies implemented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government, which focuses on deterrence and diplomatic efforts. The Italian government's strategy includes measures such as expedited asylum procedures, longer detention periods for rejected asylum seekers, and the blocking of legal loopholes that previously allowed exploitation of the immigration system. Additionally, Italy has increased its efforts in assisted repatriation, organizing over 9,000 returns to Tunisia and Libya in the first half of 2024, compared to just 3,200 in all of 2023. While Italy celebrates its success, neighboring Mediterranean countries like Spain and Greece are experiencing a surge in illegal immigration, with increases of 155% and 222%, respectively. This shift indicates that the issue of clandestine arrivals is not being resolved but rather redirected to other vulnerable regions, such as the Canary Islands and Greek Islands, which are now facing heightened challenges from human traffickers. Italy's approach also involves investing in key African countries to combat human trafficking networks, thereby addressing the root causes of migration. The effectiveness of Italy's immigration policies has drawn attention from other nations, prompting France to report improved immigration control measures, including a notable increase in deportations in the first half of 2024.