Greece reports 34% decline in irregular migration during first half of 2026
The sharpest decrease was recorded on the Türkiye route, where migrant arrivals fell by 59% compared with the same period last year. By contrast, arrivals from Libya declined by only around 4%.
Kikilias shared the data on X, stating that a total of 15,389 irregular migrants arrived in Greece from Türkiye and Libya between January and June 2026, down from 23,243 during the corresponding period in 2025.
Largest decline recorded on the Türkiye route
According to the minister, the most significant reduction was observed in migration flows from Türkiye, with arrivals dropping by 59% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the decline in arrivals from Libya remained limited at approximately 4%, underscoring the continued pressure on the Central Mediterranean migration route.
Government credits border strategy
Kikilias attributed the overall decline to the Greek government's migration strategy, the planning of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and the operational efforts of the Hellenic Coast Guard.
He said the figures demonstrate that the government's border management policies are delivering measurable results.
The minister also thanked Coast Guard personnel for their daily efforts in protecting Greece’s maritime borders while carrying out search-and-rescue operations that save lives at sea.
