Italy has seen a significant decline in immigrant arrivals since the beginning of 2024, with a drop of 65 percent compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease marks the fifth consecutive month of a substantial decrease year-on-year. According to reports, the Italian Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, emphasized the government’s firm stance against migrant trafficking, especially following the tragic sinking of the Cutro ship that claimed 94 lives last year.
Piantedosi highlighted the government’s efforts to combat trafficking by adopting legislative measures aimed at respecting migration rules and preventing tragedies like shipwrecks. He also stressed the need for continued international cooperation with countries of origin and transit, such as Libya and Tunisia, to combat irregular migration on both land and sea.
Despite the measures implemented by the Italian government to discourage immigration, Italy experienced a 50 percent increase in immigrant landings in 2023 compared to 2022. The total number of arrivals reached 156,000 individuals, with 17,000 of them being unaccompanied minors. August recorded the highest number of landings, with over 25,000 arrivals, and there were over 1,000 individuals who arrived through irregular migration channels in the early days of 2024.
Data from the Italian Ministry of the Interior showed that 155,754 people landed in Italy in 2023, a significant increase from the 103,846 reported in 2022. The OECD reported a 71 percent increase in the number of first asylum applicants in Italy in 2022, with the majority coming from countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Egypt. Italy also saw an increase in its annual quota for third-country national workers in 2023, indicating a continuing labor shortage.
Despite the challenges posed by immigration, Italy remains a beautiful and popular destination for travelers seeking to experience its rich history, culture, and cuisine. With its picturesque landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities, Italy offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for visitors from around the world.
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