The Turkish Coast Guard reported intercepting 55,467 irregular migrants in the country’s waters in 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenges of migration in the region. August saw the highest number of incidents, with 245 cases, followed by September and November, according to official data.
In addition to the migrants, Coast Guard operations apprehended 484 smugglers who often exploit migrants by charging thousands of dollars for dangerous sea crossings. Tragically, 45 migrants lost their lives attempting these perilous journeys.
Türkiye remains a critical transit point for asylum seekers from Africa and Asia aiming to reach Europe, particularly Greece. While many attempt sea crossings from Türkiye’s western coast to the Greek islands, others try to cross the land border. Greece, in response, completed a 40-kilometer steel barrier along its land border with Türkiye in 2021 to curb irregular migration.
Despite these measures, the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, reported a nearly 40% increase in migrant arrivals in Greece in 2024 compared to the previous year. Around 37,000 migrants have arrived in Greece since the start of the year, with nearly 30,000 making the journey by boat from Türkiye.
The use of smugglers remains a significant concern, as they often abandon migrants in life-threatening situations. Ankara and international human rights organizations have criticized Greece for alleged illegal pushbacks, claiming these actions endanger vulnerable migrants, including women and children, and violate international humanitarian laws.
This surge in migration shows the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and dignity of those seeking refuge.