Immigration Solicitors

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that, more than 3,770 migrants died attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe in 2015 – making last year the deadliest year on record for migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.

Globally, IOM estimates that more than 5,350 migrants died in 2015.

Figures show that 3,270 deaths were recorded in the Mediterranean in 2014.

The deadliest month in 2015 was April, when nearly 1,250 migrants died – mainly due to the worst tragedy on record involving migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. An estimated 800 migrants died when their overcrowded vessel capsized off the coast of Libya, with only 28 survivors rescued and taken to Italy.

Figures show that 77% of the deaths occurred in the Central Mediterranean route mainly used by people traffickers operating from Libya.

In 2014, this route was responsible for 97% of migrant deaths recorded.

In 2015, a total of 21% of deaths occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean, compared to just 1% in 2014.

In the Central Mediterranean, recorded deaths among migrants fell 9% from 2014 figures, with 18.5 deaths per every 1,000 travellers.

Although Italy and Greece were the primary destinations for migrants trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, a total of 32 migrants died while trying to reach the Spanish-held Canary Islands.

Within Mexico and along the US-Mexico border there have been at least 330 deaths recorded this year, says the IOM.

IOM Director General William Lacy Swing, said:

“It is shocking and inexcusable that desperate migrants and refugees have lost their lives in record numbers this year, when they should not.

“The international community world must act now to stop this trend against desperate migrants.

“Migration has been the major theme of 2015, with record numbers of refugees and migrants arriving in Europe, fleeing from conflict and acute poverty.

“Throughout the year, we have been reminded that much of human mobility is not voluntary – and tragically we have seen so many who felt they had no option but to leave their beloved homelands and were lost at sea, in the deserts or trapped in the back of lorries they had hoped would carry them to a safer and better life.

"One of the major challenges for the coming years would be for the international community to work diligently towards changing from the current toxic migration
narrative to one that is more historically accurate – namely, that migration has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We can do this through measures that will help governments and societies to manage diversity.

“This will require addressing several paradoxes of, (a) national sovereignty of states and individual aspiration of migrants and, (b) protecting national security on the one hand and human security on the other,” he added.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise on a wide range of immigration matters, including right to work in the UK, the Modern Slavery Bill, illegal entry to the UK, asylum in the UK and asylum appeals – as well as appeals against deportation from the UK under the Human Rights Act.

Duncan Lewis is a successful firm of Legal Aid immigration solicitors – and can advise on business immigration, work visas, visa overstays and student visas.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law – including the Modern Slavery Bill and appeals against deportation from the UK using human rights legislation – call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For urgent help with immigration matters, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where an accredited immigration lawyer is available 24/7.