A quarterly update on mixed migration from North Africa to Europe, issued by the United Nations for the third quarter of 2025, confirmed the continued flow of irregular migrants. The report highlights notable changes in crossing routes and increased pressure on regional states, particularly Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Libya: Main Source for Italy, Sharp Rise Towards Greece
Despite a relative quarterly drop in departures, Libya remains the primary source for sea voyages heading to Italy, accounting for 88% of the 49,799 arrivals registered there until the end of September 2025.
Sharp Rise to Crete: The Greek island of Crete recorded the arrival of 13,059 migrants from Libya, marking a massive 318% increase compared to the previous year.
Greek Response: In reaction to this surge, Greek authorities suspended the processing of asylum applications for North African arrivals and initiated cooperation with the Libyan Coast Guard to reduce irregular crossings.
Security Tightening and Deportation Campaigns Within Libya
Italy-Turkey Agreement: Italy and Turkey signed a new agreement aimed at curbing irregular migration originating from Libya. The focus is on joint Coast Guard operations, intelligence sharing, and joint training to dismantle smuggling networks.
Escalated Deportations: Eastern Libya experienced an escalation in deportation and detention operations during the summer of 2025:
1,102 Egyptians were deported between July and September.
Approximately 700 Sudanese were deported in a single operation on July 18.
More than 1,500 migrants were detained during workplace raids.
Migration Routes Shift West, Increasing Pressure on Spain
The report states that the Western Mediterranean route (14,648 arrivals) surpassed the Canary Islands route (12,909 arrivals) for the first time since 2020 as the main path toward Spain. Total arrivals there reached 27,557 individuals by the end of September.
From Algeria and Morocco: Algeria saw a significant increase in departures by 98% (544 people), indicating a partial shift towards this route. Most of the increase in arrivals to Spain comes from Algerian, Moroccan, Somali, Malian, and Guinean nationalities.
Response to Pressure: Following the increase in irregular attempts to reach Ceuta from Morocco, Spain and Morocco intensified 24-hour joint monitoring. Spanish authorities plan to relocate 4,400 minors from Ceuta and the Canary Islands to safe areas on the mainland.
Tunisia’s Legal Challenges
Tunisia faces increasing legal challenges over the alleged mistreatment of migrants. Civil society organizations are actively documenting alleged violations in preparation for filing lawsuits before international and regional courts.