Lampedusa (People’s Daily) - As the "South Gate" of Europe, Italy was once the first option for many refugees rushing to Europe, but recent numbers show that the country’s arrivals are down thanks to the country’s unstable financial situation and anti-immigration voices.

There have been some 9,467 migrant arrivals in Italy so far this year, down 75 percent from the same period last year. At the start of April 2018, there were approximately 174,000 immigrants in Italy, according to Italy’s Ministry of the Interior.

According to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the number of immigrants arriving in Italy through the Central Mediterranean route in March fell to below 1,400, which is down 88 percent from March 2017’s numbers. The total number of migrants detected on this route in the first quarter of 2018 fell to roughly 6,600. The drop represents a plunge of nearly three-quarters compared to last year. So far this year, Eritreans have been the largest group rushing to Italy, accounting for one of every four detected migrants. Tunisian nationals were the second largest group of migrants coming to Italy. 

“Europe Gate”, created by an Italian artist in 2008 to commemorate those killed in the refugee ship accidents. (Photos: Ye Qi)

Federico Fossi, a member of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told People’s Daily that people rescued in the Mediterranean are generally brought ashore to specific ports such as Lampedusa, Porto Empedocle, Trapani, Palermo, Messina, Catania, Augusta, and Pozzallo. 

“After a brief pre-identification and health check, asylum seekers are transferred to reception centers in Sicily but also in the rest of the Italian territory,” Fossi said. “Usually people will remain in these centers as long as they undergo the procedure for the request of international protection/asylum in Italy which can last up to 6-8 months.”

Asylum-seekers often face extended stays in overcrowded conditions. 

The long waiting period made Michael, a Nigerian migrant, very disappointed.

“We are not welcomed here, but we have no other choice,” Michael said. “All I can do is to wait and pray.”

The trek to Italy is perilous, and reports say that more than 500 people have died or gone missing while immigrating to the country since the beginning of 2018. 

"Journeys to and through Europe for refugees and migrants remain fraught with danger," said Pascale Moreau, director of UNHCR's Europe Bureau. 

According to a report called “Desperate Journeys” released by the UNHCR in April, 489 deaths have been reported at sea this year compared to 870 in the first quarter of 2017. The death toll for those crossing from Libya to Italy has more than doubled, with one death recorded for every 14 people who successfully reach Italy. During 2017’s first quarter, this number was one death for every 29 people.

Refugee housing center on the Island. 

A recent draft of Italy's Economic and Financial Document show that despite fewer migrants landing on the country's coasts, spending on migrants is set to rise from 4.3 billion euros in 2017 to up to 5 billion euros in 2018. 

In the midst of a long-term economic depression, anti-immigration voices among Italians and other European countries has risen. A poll shows that 58 percent of Italians are afraid of refugees and that more than 60 percent of Italians do not feel safe in cities where migrants live.

Panducci, a 37-year old Lampedusa resident, told People’s Daily that migrants are negatively impacting her home’s prosperity.

“The environment here is getting worse and worse due to the visiting of many migrants, which greatly affects our life and tourism on the island,” Panducci said.

Refugee arrivals have been a hot button issue throughout Italy and Europe. Some advocates are claiming that they threaten the EU’s internal unity and stability, while others are claiming that politicians are exploiting their plights to reap political gains.

Top image: The Italian Coast Guard's patrol ship at the port.