From Allafrica · · 1m
Migrants Pay $500m Smuggling Fees
Migrants paid up to $500 million in smuggling fees on European sea routes last year, UN reports.
In brief
Migrants paid up to $500 million in smuggling fees on European sea routes last year, UN reports. Migrants paid $388-509 million in smuggling fees to reach Europe via sea routes in 2025. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Smuggling Fees Total
Migrants paid $388 to $509 million in smuggling fees to reach Europe via sea routes in 2025.
Busiest Route
Central Mediterranean route saw 84,000 to 100,400 people attempt crossings in 2025.
High Fees in Italy
Almost half of migrants to Italy or Malta paid over $7,500 each for smuggling services.
Other Routes
Smugglers charged as little as $170 per person on the Northwest African Atlantic route.
Deaths and Returns
3,404 migrants died or went missing, and 104,200 were returned to sea routes in 2025.
Smuggling Rates
72-86% of Central Mediterranean migrants were smuggled, with 73-83% on Northwest African Atlantic routes.
The bottom line
Migrants paid $388-509 million in smuggling fees to reach Europe via sea routes in 2025.
