The number of illegal border crossings at Europe’s external borders in January fell by nearly half from a year ago to nearly 5 800*, mainly because of lower figures on the migratory routes in the Mediterranean, according to preliminary calculations.
Western Africa
Nearly 2 100 irregular migrants arrived on the Canary Islands in the first month of this year, more than twice the figure from January 2020. However, the number was not included in the monthly total for illegal border crossings into the European Union because it is a preliminary figure.
Nationals from Mali and Morocco accounted for most of the arrivals.
Central Mediterranean
The Central Mediterranean saw a 51% drop in illegal border crossings in January compared to a year ago to fewer than 900.
Nationals of Guinea and Ivory Coast were the top two nationalities on this migratory route.
Western Mediterranean Sea
There were 600 detections of illegal border crossings in the Western Mediterranean in January, 48% fewer than a year ago.
Algerians and Moroccans accounted for 90% of all detections on this route this year, while Moroccans were the second most represented nationality.
