Italy: IRC: Local Reality on the Balkan Route Challenges Official Migration Narratives
Countries: Italy, World Source: International Rescue Committee Trieste, Italy, April 7, 2026 — The consistent failure to support people in need and higher numbers of people arriving in Europe than officially reported new findings from the International Rescue Committee in Italy (IRC) and Diaconia Valdese in Trieste paint a picture that sharply contrasts with international narratives suggesting reduced migratory pressure along the Balkan route. People arriving in Italy still face dire humanitarian conditions, forced to dwell in the streets, with no access to showers, toilets or nutritious food. International sources report a 42% drop in irregular crossings along the Balkan route in 2025, yet IRC Italy recorded only a 27% decrease in people arriving – with conditions on the ground remaining dire For the first time, half of the people arriving said Italy was their final destination, showing a major shift from its long‑standing role as a transit country More than 3,600 people said they intended to apply for asylum in Trieste, yet hundreds reported mounting challenges and concerning police practices that hinder their access to international protection Although international narratives often assume that fewer arrivals in Europe translated into reduced pressure on the host countries, IRC data shows the opposite: needs remain high, and the system still cannot cope. Inhumane conditions persist, with people on the move lacking safe shelter and basic necessities, while major barriers to accessing the asylum system continue to stand out. Long waits, unclear admission criteria, and even expulsion orders issued to people seeking protection highlight the scale of the challenges they face. Sara Bonfati, IRC’s Head of Programmes in Italy, says: “This mismatch between international perception and local reality is the core insight our data brings to the table. It shows that local dynamics in Italy do not mirror officially reported trends, and that people continue to arrive in substantial numbers despite the overall downturn. In the context of a deteriorating migration landscape across the European Union – shaped increasingly by walls rather than welcome – more people are choosing to stay in Italy. “Yet barriers to accessing asylum and reception continue to result in homelessness and, in the most tragic cases, loss of life. In 2025, two people were found dead in the Old Port area of Trieste, a devastating first instance of the deadly toll of a failed reception system. Exposure to serious health risks caused by poor hygiene conditions, harsh weather, and the constant threat of exploitation and abuse in the area remains alarmingly high for the fourth year in a row. “Reception conditions in Italy must improve so that no one is left sleeping on the streets in inhumane or degrading conditions. Refugees and asylum seekers need guaranteed, safe, and dignified access to international protection.” Notes to editors:The annual trends analysis, running since 2021, is based on systematic data collection conducted between 1 January and 31 December 2025, during which IRC and Diaconia Valdese teams supported 9,761 people arriving in Italy via the Balkan route in the area around Trieste Central Station. Afghanistan remained the main country of origin, with increasing numbers of people arriving from Turkey, Nepal, and Egypt. Vulnerable groups accounted for 34% of all individuals supported, including unaccompanied children, families, and single women.
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