Sea Arrivals Overview Europe Region | May 2025

Sea crossings to Europe remain complex and dynamic, with continued high arrivals of asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants via the Mediterranean and North-West African maritime routes. In 2024, at least 199,400 people arrived by sea, while the number of dead or missing remained alarming.

People who are a part of these mixed movements face serious and preventable risks, including pushbacks, exploitation by smugglers and traffickers and frequent shipwrecks.

UNHCR stresses the need for robust, sustained cooperation among states and promotes alternatives to dangerous journeys through a route-based approach that strengthens access to protection and safe pathways, while addressing root causes of displacement.

Critically, a humanitarian and precautionary approach remains essential when responding to distress at sea. UNHCR works closely with national authorities and partners to ensure arrivals are identified, assisted and referred to appropriate channels and solutions based on their profiles, legal status and needs. 

See report: Sea Arrivals Overview Europe Region | May 2025