The number of detections of irregular crossings at the EU’s external borders increased by 17% in the first nine months of 2023 to reach 279,350, the highest total for the period since 2016, according to preliminary calculations*.
This year, the central Mediterranean recorded one in two detections at the EU’s external borders. Nevertheless, the number of crossings in the region fell by a third compared to the previous month and the Western Balkans became the most active migration route in September.
2,750 permanent Frontex officers and staff are involved in various operations helping Member States and neighboring countries protect the EU’s external borders and fight crime.
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In September, 51,500 irregular crossings were detected at the EU’s external borders, an increase of 17% year-on-year.
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The central Mediterranean saw a monthly decline in arrivals.
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The West African and Eastern Mediterranean routes also see more crossings in 2023.
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The first three nationalities on all roads this year: Syria, Guinea, Ivory Coast.
THE Central Mediterranean remains the most active route to the EU this year, with more than 131,600 detections reported by national authorities during the first three quarters of 2023. This is the highest total on this route for this period since 2016 .
Unfortunately, sea crossings remain extremely dangerous. According to IOM data, more than 2,384 people have gone missing in the Mediterranean so far this year, the vast majority on the Central Mediterranean route.
During the January-September period, the Western Balkans This route, the second most active route with more than 81,800 detections, saw a 23% decline, largely due to stricter visa policies.
The number of irregular passages in the Channel to the UK fell 12% in the first nine months to more than 46,500.
Note: The preliminary data presented in this statement refers to the number of detections of irregular crossings of the external borders of the European Union. The same person can cross the border several times at different locations on the external border.
