Migrant Arrivals to Europe Drop 39% This Year, but Deaths Rise, UN Agency Reports

Migrant arrivals to Europe have fallen by 39 percent this year compared with the same period last year, even as the number of deaths and disappearances along key migration routes has increased, according to the UN migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The IOM said at least 2,292 people have died or gone missing this year while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean routes toward Europe, according to a report cited by Anadolu Agency.

The figures suggest that despite a significant drop in the overall number of people attempting the journey, the routes remain highly dangerous, with the risk of death or disappearance for those who do attempt the crossing appearing to have increased relative to the reduced volume of crossings.

The Mediterranean and Atlantic routes have long been among the deadliest migration corridors in the world, with migrants often relying on overcrowded and unsafe vessels operated by smuggling networks.

The IOM did not immediately provide a detailed breakdown of the reasons behind the decline in arrivals or the rise in fatalities. Anadolu Agency reported the figures as part of ongoing IOM monitoring of migration flows into Europe.

European Union member states have in recent years implemented various measures aimed at curbing irregular migration, including increased border patrols and cooperation agreements with transit countries, though the specific impact of such measures on this year's figures was not detailed in the report.