Migrant crossings from Algeria to Italy’s Sardinia surge
A November 13 report by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency says irregular migration from Algeria to Italy’s Sardinia reached an unprecedented level, with sea crossings peaking in September. Although the total number of irregular migrants arriving in Europe has fallen this year, landings on this route continued into November.
A report published by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency on November 13 said irregular migration from Algeria to Italy’s Sardinia had reached an unprecedented level, with sea crossings peaking in September 2026. Migrant boats have landed repeatedly on Sardinia since late summer, mainly in the Sulcis area in the island’s southwest. On November 8, about 50 Algerian migrants landed at Sant’Antioco and Pula.
Security personnel rescue a boat carrying migrants in the Mediterranean Sea.（VietVance）
Most migrant boats depart from Algeria’s eastern coast, particularly Annaba province. According to Sardinian media, Annaba is nearly 240 kilometers from the south of the island; in good weather, the crossing takes about 10 hours. Migrants typically travel in small motorboats carrying 10 to 20 people. Favorable weather in September is believed to have contributed to the increase in crossings, but landings continued in October and November.
Some migrants use Sardinia as a transit point on their way to other European countries, particularly France. In August 2026, Italian law enforcement authorities dismantled a smuggling network that transported migrants from Algeria to Marseille, France, via Sardinia. European authorities believe tighter controls in Morocco and on other migration routes have prompted some migrants and smuggling networks to shift toward Algeria.
By comparison, the Central Mediterranean route from Libya and Tunisia has recorded about 26,600 migrant crossings since the start of 2026, down 55% from the same period a year earlier. The International Organization for Migration says more than 2,000 people have died in the Mediterranean since the start of 2026. In August 2026, 17 migrants who had departed from the Algerian coast for Spain died at sea.
Algeria has classified unauthorized departure as a crime since 2009. People who leave without passing through a legal border crossing can face two to six months in prison and fines of 20,000 to 60,000 Algerian dinars; those who organize unauthorized departures can face heavier penalties. Nevertheless, migrant smuggling networks remain active on both sides of the Mediterranean. The European Union is also strengthening border controls and advancing procedures for returning migrants.
Source: VietVance
