Italy is witnessing a sharp rise in migrant arrivals, challenging Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s hardline stance on immigration. Despite securing agreements with Libya and Tunisia to curb Mediterranean crossings, the country has seen a 40% increase in arrivals this year, according to The Times.
So far, 8,232 migrants have reached Italy in 2025, up from 5,912 during the same period last year. The rise is primarily driven by an influx from Libya, with many of the migrants coming from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Reports suggest that labor agreements between Libya and Bangladesh have made the journey easier for migrants seeking to enter Europe.
While overall migration to Europe has dropped by 25%, Italy remains an exception. Frontex, the EU’s border agency, notes that smugglers are now using high-speed boats with multiple engines to evade the Italian Coast Guard. Migrants are reportedly paying up to €8,000 for these crossings.
The increase in arrivals raises questions about the effectiveness of Italy’s migration policies and its ability to manage border control despite previous crackdowns.