Illegal immigration from eastern Libya to Greece has significantly increased this year. Nearly 20,000 people have attempted the dangerous crossing from Libya to the island of Crete since the beginning of this year. According to local media, this route, which reaches Greece from the eastern shores of Libya, has become an important corridor for illegal immigration to Europe.
Increase in the number of migrants
On October 20, Greek authorities registered 710 people who had arrived on 14 boats. The next day, hundreds more were added to this number. Many of the boats set off from areas around the port city of Tobruk on the eastern coast of Libya. Reports indicate that migrants pay nearly $4,000 (3,600 euros) to cross to this island, and the journey takes about a day and a half.
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Change in smuggling networks
The growth of this route is due to recent crackdowns on other routes. After armed forces in eastern Libya took action against human traffickers heading to Italy, smuggling networks changed their methods and shifted towards Crete. Reports indicate that new groups have also entered this smuggling industry, which previously mainly transported goods, vehicles, or drugs.
Human trafficking in Libya is heavily linked to what is known as a "war economy." This situation allows armed actors to gain economic resources and political influence by controlling informal markets and transportation routes. It also enables local brokers to exploit anti-smuggling measures for financial or political gain.
Political and geopolitical impacts
Research conducted by a British think tank shows that ongoing instability and conflicts in Libya have created a conducive environment for human trafficking and smuggling activities. This situation has led to an increase in the number of migrants entering Libya and the expansion of the country's war economy.
There is also an increase in geopolitical rivalries in the Eastern Mediterranean. In late October, the Tobruk government signed a maritime agreement with Turkey. This agreement indicates a certain rapprochement between the two parties and could help Turkey achieve its goals in this maritime area. Greece has opposed this agreement, viewing it as a violation of its economic rights around islands like Crete and Rhodes.
Despite the lack of a direct connection between this agreement and the increase in illegal migrants in Crete, some believe that illegal migrants may be used as leverage in these types of geopolitical conflicts.
The situation of migrants in Libya
According to a report from the International Organization for Migration, about 950,000 migrants and refugees have been registered in Libya. Many of these individuals have limited access to healthcare services and typically do not have permission to reside or work, which increases their dependence on informal markets and the risk of exploitation.
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