Migrant arrivals to Europe drop 39% in 2026 as deaths keep rising, IOM reports

Arrivals of migrants and refugees to Europe have fallen sharply in 2026, but fatalities along the Central Mediterranean routes continue to climb, according to a press release issued on 17 September 2026 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Nearly 60,000 people have arrived by sea so far this year, a 39 per cent decrease from the 98,040 recorded in the same period of 2025. At least 2,292 migrants have died or gone missing attempting the crossing, up from 1,999 during the same period last year. The Mediterranean and Atlantic routes remain the deadliest maritime routes in the world. The new figures reveal a widening gap between falling arrivals and rising loss of life at sea.

The data was compiled by IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and Missing Migrants Project, covering verified incidents and arrivals through 15 September 2026. Because many shipwrecks and disappearances go unrecorded, the true death toll is likely higher. The figures span the Central Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Western Mediterranean routes. Together, these corridors form the primary sea passages toward European shores. The findings underscore the continuing dangers faced by those attempting these journeys.

The steepest drop was on the Central Mediterranean route to Italy, where arrivals fell 55 per cent, from 48,231 to 21,393. Yet deaths on that route rose from 844 to 996. Greece recorded 20,428 arrivals, down from 25,427, while fatalities on the Eastern Mediterranean route jumped from 284 to 417. Spain saw 16,794 arrivals across the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean routes, down from 22,855, with deaths remaining high at 879. Between January and mid-September, 17,067 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya, according to Libyan Coast Guard figures tracked by IOM.

“These figures tell two stories at once,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director General. “Fewer people are arriving by sea in Europe than at this point last year. But people are still dying and going missing in alarming numbers trying to reach safety. Nearly every death and disappearance at sea is preventable.”

Pope added that human remains often go unidentified, leaving families searching across borders for answers, sometimes for years.

IOM continues working with governments, partners and communities across countries of origin, transit and destination. The focus remains on stronger protection, voluntary return and reintegration support, expanded regular pathways, and reduced risk along major migration routes. Recent talks between IOM and European partners have underscored the need for a comprehensive, region-wide approach. Sustained efforts are also required to clarify the fate of missing migrants and support affected families, in line with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

“Behind every number is a human being, a family, a community,” Pope said.