In January 2024, the number of irregular border crossings into the European Union (EU) went down. Around 14,000 crossings were recorded, which is about one-third less compared to December 2023.
Data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, shows that the decline is roughly in line with totals from January last year.
Western African Route seeks spike despite overall decline
Nearly all main migration routes saw monthly drops, especially the Central Mediterranean route, which had a drop of 71%.
Despite a general decline, the Western African route saw an increase in January arrivals, with over 6,600 people arriving. This is nearly 50% more than December and ten times higher than the number in 2023.
The region accounted for nearly half of all detected irregular crossings last month.
Migrant arrivals in Canary Islands increase tenfold
Last year, the route from Western Africa had the highest percentage increase in migrants crossing irregularly into Europe.
Recently, certain groups in Mauritania have been taking advantage of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa who are passing through, trying to get into the EU through the Spanish Canary Islands.
According to reports, smugglers have been fitting more migrants onto small wooden Cayucos fishing boats, which puts lives at risk.
West Africans dominate irregular migration
Syrians, Afghans, and Malians ranked among the top three nationalities detected across all routes. However, authorities continue verifying many new arrivals’ nationalities.
Regarding the route across the English Channel, the number of times migrants were spotted trying to enter the UK each month stayed about the same as it was in January 2023, at around 3,200.
Central Mediterranean route sees largest decrease
January 2024 data provides a snapshot of shifting migration flows affecting the EU.
Although the increase in migration through West Africa was worrying, it is good news that there was a significant decrease in January along the Central Mediterranean route.
Frontex steps up efforts to protect EU borders
Frontex said that it remains committed to safeguarding EU borders, with nearly 2,370 officers and staff currently engaged in various operations.
Around 170 personnel support Spain across the Canary Islands and Western Mediterranean areas.
Frontex observed that in 2023, the number of people crossing EU borders irregularly reached levels similar to those seen in 2016.
Approximately 380,000 detections occurred last year, representing a significant 17% rise from 2022.
The data underscores the Western African route’s growing importance, accounting for 41% of all irregular entries.
Next were the Western Balkans at 26% and the Eastern Mediterranean at 16%.
As the EU gets ready to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) around mid-2025, recent trends show that it is important to step up border security and check travelers more carefully.
ETIAS will require visa-exempt non-EU citizens to obtain pre-travel clearance prior to entering the Schengen Area.
Looking ahead to sustainable migration policies
All parties involved, such as Frontex and individual member countries, must stay watchful in dealing with the complicated issue of irregular migration.
As more people try to cross dangerous seas during the warmer months, authorities need to have the right tools and plans in place.
This means protecting borders, helping those who legitimately need asylum, and fighting human trafficking networks.
Balancing border security priorities and humanitarian obligations will remain crucial in the EU's collective migration response throughout 2024 and beyond.