Nearly 8,000 people died or disappeared on migration routes in 2025: IOM
Nearly 8,000 people lost their lives or went missing along global migration routes in 2025, according to a new report by the International Organization for Migration.
The agency recorded 7,904 deaths and disappearances last year, a decline from the record 9,197 in 2024. However, officials cautioned that the apparent drop may not reflect improved conditions, as more than 1,500 suspected cases could not be verified due to reduced humanitarian funding and limited monitoring capacity in key regions.
Sea crossings toward Europe remained the deadliest routes, accounting for over 40 percent of total fatalities. Many of these incidents were described as “invisible shipwrecks,” where overcrowded boats vanish without a trace, leaving no survivors or confirmed records. The Mediterranean continues to be a major hotspot, while the Atlantic route from West Africa also saw significant casualties, with at least 1,200 reported deaths.
The report noted shifting migration patterns rather than a reduction in risk. Arrivals in Europe declined overall, but the composition of migrants changed, with Bangladeshis emerging as one of the largest groups, while Syrian arrivals decreased due to evolving political and policy conditions.
Asia recorded a sharp rise in deaths, including among Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar and dire conditions in camps in Bangladesh. Many attempted perilous sea journeys toward Southeast Asia, often relying on smugglers and unsafe vessels.
Since 2014, more than 82,000 migrants have died or disappeared worldwide, affecting an estimated 340,000 family members left searching for answers. Amy Pope said the figures reflect a persistent humanitarian crisis driven by conflict, climate change, and restrictive migration policies.
The IOM urged governments to expand safe and legal migration pathways, improve search-and-rescue operations, and strengthen international cooperation to prevent further loss of life on increasingly dangerous routes.
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