Italy - Some 8,736 irregular Syrian migrants have arrived in Italy by sea in recent weeks, bringing the total number of Syrian arrivals this year through the end of September to 32,681 – the largest number from any country – overtaking 32,537 from Eritrea.

“In September, there were more Syrians than Eritreans,” said IOM Rome spokesperson Flavio Di Giacomo. “Both groups are fleeing from war and persecution. Together they represent almost half of the total number of migrants and asylum seekers arriving in Italy by sea this year.”

There was also a surge in the number Palestinian arrivals in Italy over the past two months – some 2,200 Palestinians arrived in August and 2,000 in September.  Through the end of September, Italy received a total of some 4,223 people arriving by sea claiming Palestinian nationality.

“They include many Palestinians who were living in Syria and others who were living in Egypt,” explained Mr. Di Giacomo. “In the last months there was a significant increase in the number of Palestinians coming from Gaza, but we actually do not know how many.”

According to figures gathered by the Italian Government, 138,796 migrants arrived in Italy by sea as of 30th of September, 2014. After Syria and Eritrea, the next five largest sending countries were Mali (8,532), Nigeria (6,951), Gambia (6,179), Palestine (4,223) and Somalia (4,113).

The arrival of thousands of more migrants over the past month suggests that few were deterred by news of the tragic sinking of a vessel near Malta in early September with the loss of some 500 lives.

A smuggler’s boat reportedly rammed the migrant vessel, which was carrying mainly Syrians, Palestinians and Egyptians, causing it to capsize and sink. To date only 11 survivors of the tragedy have been accounted for.

Reports coming to IOM from Egypt and Gaza indicate that whole families were traveling together on the vessel. One family is believed to have had as many as 30 members on board. Law enforcement agencies in three countries – Italy, Greece and Malta – are investigating the incident, with assistance from Interpol.

For more information please contact

Flavio di Giacomo
IOM Rome
Tel: +39 06 44 186 207
Mobile +39 347 089 8996
Email: fdigiacomo@iom.int