IOM: More than 100,000 Migrants Crossed Mediterranean in 2018

During the first ten months of this year, 100,630 migrants and refugees arrived in Europe after crossing the Mediterranean Sea. 

It was stated in the press release of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). 

“IOM, the UN Migration Agency, reports that 100,630 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2018 through 4 November, including 49,013 to Spain, the region’s most active destination point this year, with just under 50 per cent of all 2018 arrivals,” the press release states. 

Greece is the second country in the list. There were 27,715 arrivals in the country. Italy is among the top three countries with 22,167 arrivals. 

The Organization added that in comparison with the same period in the previous years, the number of migrant arrivals in Europe by the Mediterranean Sea had reduced significantly. Thus, 154,825 persons crossed the Mediterranean during 10 months of 2017, and there were 337,773 arrivals in 2016. 

IOM also informs that from 1 January to 4 November 2018, 1,989 migrants died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea. 

It has been informed earlier that 27 October, Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency rescued more than 350 migrants in the waters between Spain and the North African coast.