Key Figures
5,247 Sea Arrivals
747 UASC Sea Arrivals
12,816 Asylum applications
178,778 Persons in reception
Overview and developments
Between 1 January and 28 February 2018, 5,247 refugees and migrants arrived in Italy by sea. This is a 61 per cent decrease compared to sea arrivals in the same period last year, when 13,439 persons reached Italian shores. The numbers of monthly sea arrivals in February 2018 (1,058 persons) were the lowest on record since 2014. Unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) account for 14 per cent of sea arrivals since the beginning of the year.
The ten most common countries of origin of refugees and migrants registered at landing points in 2018 so far are Eritrea, Tunisia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, Algeria, and Mali.
Despite an overall decrease in sea arrivals, there was a significant increase in the numbers of Eritreans and Tunisians reaching Italian shores, compared to the same period last year. In February 2018, Tunisians accounted for 42 per cent of new arrivals.
The second evacuation of 150 asylum-seekers from Libya directly to Italy took place on 14 February 2018. UNHCR supported with the identification and provision of information to evacuees upon their arrival in Rome. The group included children and women who had been held captive for long periods of time in Libya.
Between 1 January and 28 February, 12,816 new asylum applications were lodged in Italy. As of 28 February, 182,537 adult asylum-seekers were accommodated in reception facilities across the country, compared to approximately 178,800 at the end of January 2018.
On 1 February, Legislative Decree 220/2017 came into force, introducing new provisions regarding the composition of Territorial Commissions, and providing Juvenile Courts with competency over guardian appointments and age determination.