Bangladesh Tops List in Deadly Journey to Europe

This year, 50,850 people have entered Europe illegally — a 2% increase from last year — by crossing the perilous Mediterranean in overcrowded, unseaworthy boats, with Bangladeshis topping the list of those undertaking this dangerous voyage.

Although overall irregular migration to Europe has dropped by 22% this year, crossings along this particular route have risen slightly.

In September alone, 8,046 people made the journey, most of them Bangladeshis, according to the latest report by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

Between January and September, a total of 133,400 people entered Europe irregularly, with nationals of Bangladesh, Egypt, and Morocco forming the largest groups. Frontex attributed the overall decline in irregular entries to tighter surveillance and strengthened border controls.

Illegal crossings via the West African route have fallen by 58%, the Western Balkan route by 47%, and Eastern Europe’s land borders by 36%. However, the Central Mediterranean remains the most heavily used path — especially for those heading to Italy — accounting for nearly 40% of all irregular entries into Europe.

In contrast, irregular migration through the Western Mediterranean has risen by 28%. In September, crossings through this route increased by more than half, with about three-quarters of the migrants departing from Algeria.

Meanwhile, attempts to reach the United Kingdom illegally via the English Channel from France have gone up by 14%. As of September, 54,300 people have tried to cross into the UK.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that while the total number of irregular entries into Europe has marginally decreased, the humanitarian crisis remains acute. As of September, at least 1,299 people have lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

The rising death toll underscores the desperation that continues to drive thousands to risk everything for a chance to reach Europe.