Migrant arrivals by sea to Italy fell dramatically in 2026, with 22,891 people arriving on Italian shores by October 1, down 55.75% from 51,731 in the same period in 2025. This means that Italy registered 28,840 sea arrivals less year-on-year.

The decline accelerated in September. Between the government's updates on September 1 and October 1, approximately 3,290 additional immigrants arrived by sea, compared to 8,385 in the corresponding reporting period last year, a decrease of approximately 61%.

Libya remains overwhelmingly the main departure point for boats arriving in Italy, while Algeria has overtaken Tunisia as the second largest departure country.