EU Records 47,000 Illegal Border Crossings in Q1 2025

Recent data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) shows a decline in illegal border crossings into the EU during the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with the Central and Western Mediterranean routes currently being the most popular. Despite the decrease, significant numbers of irregular migrants still enter the EU, primarily from countries such as Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Syria. Meanwhile, a report by the UK's Migration Advisory Committee finds that the use of immigration routes to recruit IT and engineering workers is proportionate to the sector's size and demand, with migrants in these fields positively impacting the UK economy and contributing to productivity growth. However, concerns remain globally about immigration enforcement practices, illustrated by reports of US citizens being detained due to immigration status verification issues under stricter federal ID requirements. These developments highlight ongoing challenges and complexities in managing migration effectively, balancing border security, economic needs, and human rights considerations.