The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union dropped by 42% in the first nine months of 2024, according to data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). However, despite the decline, migration from The Gambia remains notably high. The report highlighted that the Western African route, which includes The Gambia, Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, saw a significant 100% increase in irregular entries compared to the same period last year. This route alone accounted for over 30,600 crossings, doubling the figures from 2023.
While irregular migrant numbers on the Western Balkan and Central Mediterranean routes dropped by 79% and 64%, respectively, the Western African and Eastern Land Border routes saw sharp increases, with the Eastern route recording a staggering 192% rise.
Top nationalities crossing into Europe via the Western African and Western Mediterranean routes include individuals from Morocco, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal, in addition to those from The Gambia. Despite the overall reduction in irregular entries to the EU, these regional trends highlight ongoing migration pressures from West Africa.