The European Union is experiencing the highest level of illegal migration since the crisis in 2016, according to new data released by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
At least 308,000 illegal entries were recorded during the first 11 months of 2022, marking a 68% increase over the same period last year.
More than 27,000 “irregular entries” took place in the month of November, more than half of which (14,105) came via the Western Balkans route, Frontex explained in its latest report.
Illegal migrant traffic in the Western Balkans has remained extraordinarily high all year, with 45% of all incursions into the E.U. taking place on this frontier.
The high numbers of illegal crossings on the Western Balkans route can be attributed to repeated attempts by migrants already present in the region, and the abuse of visa-free access to the region.
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— Frontex (@Frontex) December 12, 2022
“The second most active migratory route into the EU is the Central Mediterranean,” Frontex explained in the report. “Here, from the beginning of the year the number of irregular border crossings detected rose by 49% compared to 2021 to nearly 94 000.”
“Meanwhile, by the end of November Eastern Mediterranean route recorded a 116% increase with almost 40,000 detections.”
The vast majority of migrants illegally entering Europe hail from Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asian countries where Islam is the dominant religion.
Read More: Surging Illegal Migration in Europe ‘Highest Since 2016,’ Frontex Warns
