Italy - IOM reports an estimated 230,885 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2016 through 6 July, arriving mostly in Italy and Greece. This means that since IOM’s last briefing on Tuesday, over 3,500 migrants and refugees have arrived in Italy and Greece.

So far this year 2,920 deaths have been recorded, compared with 1,838 through the first six months of 2015.

So far this year, the main departure country has been Libya, followed by Egypt. Most of the rescue operations have occurred in the Channel of Sicily. Rescued migrants and refugees are usually brought to ports in Sicily (Catania, Augusta, Porto Empedocle, Pozzallo and Palermo), Lampedusa, Calabria (Reggio Calabria, Crotone) and Apulia (Taranto).

With staff deployed at the main landing points in Sicily (including Lampedusa), Calabria and Apulia, IOM in Italy provides legal assistance to those arriving by sea, monitors reception conditions and supports the authorities in the identification of vulnerable groups.

In Greece, IOM has staff in Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Leros and Crete, where it works closely with the relevant authorities to identify vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied minors, the elderly, people with medical needs and families with children. Vulnerable groups are referred to the relevant authorities to receive the necessary care.

Total Arrivals by Sea and Deaths in the Mediterranean 2015-2016

Data on deaths of migrants compiled by IOM GMDAC.  All numbers are minimum estimates. Arrival estimates based on data from respective governments and IOM field offices.
*as of 30 April.