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Bangladeshis have remained the largest group of migrants reaching Italy by sea this year, despite a significant decline in overall arrivals compared with the same period over the past two years.
According to data released by Italy’s Interior Ministry, a total of 14,623 migrants arrived on the country’s shores via the Mediterranean between January 1 and July 7, 2026.
Country-wise figures show that Bangladesh ranked first, with 4,314 migrants arriving during the period—accounting for nearly one-third of all sea arrivals.
Bangladesh was followed by Somalia (1,702), Sudan (1,371), Pakistan (1,185), Algeria (1,106), Egypt (936), Eritrea (662), Tunisia (626), Mali (310), Nigeria (291), Ivory Coast (216), Ethiopia (199), Iran (183), South Sudan (180) and Guinea (179).
The ministry also recorded 1,163 migrants from other countries, including individuals whose identities are still being verified.
Despite Bangladesh remaining the leading country of origin, the overall number of sea arrivals has dropped sharply this year.
During the same period in 2025, Italy received 31,430 migrants by sea, while 26,664 arrived during the corresponding period in 2024. By comparison, this year’s total of 14,623 represents a decline of about 53% from 2025 and around 45% from 2024.
Monthly data also show that migrant arrivals were lower in every month from January to June 2026 than in the corresponding months of the previous two years. Italy recorded 1,457 arrivals in January, 2,510 in February, 2,150 in March, 2,459 in April, 3,054 in May, and 2,758 in June.
The Interior Ministry said the figures are based on sea arrivals registered up to 8:00 am on July 7 and may be subject to minor revisions following further verification.
Source: InfoMigrants