The Central Mediterranean route has once again emerged as the most dangerous path for irregular migration into Europe, with a significant number of Bangladeshis using this corridor, primarily via Libya to Italy.

According to a report published on June 10 by Frontex, the European Union’s border agency, a total of 29,300 irregular entries were recorded along the Central Mediterranean route in the first six months of 2025.

Frontex said this marks a 12 percent rise compared to the same period last year. Among them, around 20,800 migrants arrived in Italy from Libya, representing an 80 percent year-on-year rise.

The agency also identified Bangladeshis as the largest group among those taking the Libya-Italy route, followed by Egyptians and Afghans. Many face life-threatening risks during these journeys, with some falling victim to human trafficking networks or dying at sea.

While overall irregular migration to Europe has declined, pressure on the Central Mediterranean corridor continues to grow. Frontex data shows that between January and June 2025, total irregular entries into Europe dropped by 20 percent to 75,900. Migration along the Eastern Mediterranean and Western African routes saw notable declines, with reductions of 53 percent along the Western Balkans, 50 percent at the Eastern borders, and 41 percent through the Western African route.

Despite the overall drop, the Central Mediterranean route remains the most frequently used path, now accounting for 39 percent of all irregular entries into Europe.

Frontex also reported changes in migration patterns. A new corridor has emerged from Libya to Crete, Greece, along the Eastern Mediterranean route. Smuggling networks are reportedly shifting to this route due to reduced surveillance, abandoning previously used paths.

The Western Mediterranean route has also seen a 19 percent rise in irregular entries, with a sharp increase in June alone. Departures from Algeria along this corridor surged by 80 percent, with Somali and other African nationals making up most of the migrants. Frontex described this shift as part of smugglers’ evolving tactics.

Meanwhile, attempts to cross the English Channel into the United Kingdom rose by 23 percent. From January to June, about 33,200 individuals attempted to enter England via this route, mostly departing from France.

Despite the decline in total migration figures, the human toll remains high. Frontex and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 760 people died in the Mediterranean during the first half of 2025 while attempting dangerous sea crossings, including Bangladeshi nationals.

The European Union has intensified border control efforts in response. Currently, around 3,000 Frontex personnel are deployed across various border points in Europe. However, the report noted that smugglers continue to adapt quickly by opening new migration routes, making enforcement increasingly challenging.

MSK/