Interceptions of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea have increased in 2021. In the first half of the year, over 31.5 thousand people were intercepted by North African authorities while trying to reach Europe by sea. North African authorities include the Libyan and Algerian Coast Guards as well as the Tunisian National Guard. The number rose significantly in recent years. By comparison, around 18 thousand migrants were intercepted by these authorities in the first half of 2019. In general, a substantial increase in the number of attempted crossings of the Mediterranean Sea was observed in 2021.
Number of migrant interceptions in the Mediterranean by North African authorities in the 1st half of the years from 2019 to 2021
The source specifies that: "North African authorities do not disaggregate their publicly available data by interceptions and rescues and this puts limitations on the analysis of the data. A rescue at sea is defined as “an operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs, and deliver
them to a place of safety” (IOM, 2019). An interception is understood as “any measure applied by a State, either at its land or sea borders, or on the high seas, territorial waters or borders of another State, to: (i) prevent embarkation of persons on an international journey; (ii) prevent further onward international travel by persons who have commenced their journey; or (iii) assert control of vessels where there are reasonable grounds to believe the vessel is transporting persons contrary to international or national maritime law. In relation to the above, the person or persons do not have the required documentation or valid permission
to enter.” IOM, 2019."
"The term 'interception' is used to refer to maritime operations of North
African authorities, however some of the figures for Tunisian and Algerian
interceptions may include rescues."
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
International Organization for Migration. (July 14, 2021). Number of migrant interceptions in the Mediterranean by North African authorities in the 1st half of the years from 2019 to 2021 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 04, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1250150/number-of-migrant-interceptions-at-sea-by-north-african-authorities/
International Organization for Migration. "Number of migrant interceptions in the Mediterranean by North African authorities in the 1st half of the years from 2019 to 2021." Chart. July 14, 2021. Statista. Accessed October 04, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1250150/number-of-migrant-interceptions-at-sea-by-north-african-authorities/
International Organization for Migration. (2021). Number of migrant interceptions in the Mediterranean by North African authorities in the 1st half of the years from 2019 to 2021. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 04, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1250150/number-of-migrant-interceptions-at-sea-by-north-african-authorities/
International Organization for Migration. "Number of Migrant Interceptions in The Mediterranean by North African Authorities in The 1st Half of The Years from 2019 to 2021." Statista, Statista Inc., 14 Jul 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1250150/number-of-migrant-interceptions-at-sea-by-north-african-authorities/
International Organization for Migration, Number of migrant interceptions in the Mediterranean by North African authorities in the 1st half of the years from 2019 to 2021 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1250150/number-of-migrant-interceptions-at-sea-by-north-african-authorities/ (last visited October 04, 2024)
Number of migrant interceptions in the Mediterranean by North African authorities in the 1st half of the years from 2019 to 2021 [Graph], International Organization for Migration, July 14, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1250150/number-of-migrant-interceptions-at-sea-by-north-african-authorities/