Bangladeshis are leading the way in trying to enter Europe illegally via Libya
Attempts to enter European countries illegally via Libya have decreased by 25 percent in the first two months of 2025. In particular, attempts by illegal immigrants to enter the Western Balkans region are 64 percent less than at this time last year.
However, numerous Bangladeshis are trying to enter Europe via Libya using the Central Mediterranean route. While other routes have decreased, this route has increased by 48 percent.
The European Union’s border agency Frontex reported this information on Friday (March 14).
The agency said that this route is being used the most by Bangladeshis. They first go to Libya legally. Once there, they do risky things like crossing the sea.
The agency said that 6,863 people tried to enter Europe by sea via this route in January and February 2025. This is much less than in 2023. About 12,000 people risked their lives during the same period that year. Currently, the Central Mediterranean route is the second most active route to enter Europe.
The organization also said that people involved in human trafficking in Libya are now using high-speed speedboats. So that the authorities cannot catch them. And they are charging 5,000 to 8,000 euros from each person to cross this sea route. This route is being used the most by Bangladeshis. Who are coming to Libya legally through the labor agreement between Bangladesh and Libya. Then they are choosing the illegal route.
In the last two months, the most people, 7,182 people, have entered Europe through the East Africa route. Which is 40 percent less than last year. The most people from Mali, Senegal and Guinea have tried to enter Europe through this route.
In total, people from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Mali have done the most illegal work in the last two months.
