A new and increasingly popular migration route from Libya to Greece has taken shape over the past three years. This route spans from the Sudanese and Chadian borders, passing through the Libyan towns of Kufra and Ajdabiya, before reaching Tobruk and ultimately the Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos. This development has occurred as the phenomenon of irregular migration continues to escalate.
According to data from the Aegean Refugee Support organization, the number of individuals arriving in Greece from Libya has seen a significant increase. In 2023, approximately 815 people made the journey, rising to 5,161 in 2024. This upward trend continued in 2025, with over 25,000 attempts to cross into Greece recorded. The influx of migrants has not slowed, with Greek coast guard reporting 8,552 arrivals on Crete and Gavdos in the first half of 2026.
The demographic breakdown of those arriving on Crete and Gavdos has been provided by the Greek coast guard. Of the 8,552 migrants, 3,536 were from Bangladesh, 3,159 from Sudan, 1,049 from Egypt, 346 from South Sudan, and 135 from Eritrea. Notably, 780 of these individuals were unaccompanied minors, highlighting the vulnerability of this new migration route.
Kufra has emerged as a critical point along this new migration route. The town has seen a substantial influx of Sudanese nationals, with 82% of those entering Libya from Sudan passing through Kufra, according to United Nations data. A further 12% enter via the southeastern route linked to Chad. This has resulted in Kufra becoming a focal point for migration.
The town of Ajdabiya has also become a significant hub in this migration network. It serves as a link between southern, eastern, and coastal Libya, with numerous migrants and established networks for transportation, accommodation, and smuggling. Recent security operations and investigations by the public prosecutor have uncovered human trafficking networks operating along the route between Kufra and Ajdabiya.
Tobruk represents the final stop before attempting the sea crossing to Greece. There are indications that a comprehensive system has developed, incorporating land transportation, waiting accommodations, boats, and intermediaries. This system facilitates the journey of migrants from Libya to Greece.
The emergence of this new migration route reflects a shift in the migration map across Libya and the Mediterranean. The traditional focus on western Libyan coastlines has given way to an eastern route extending from the depths of the Sahara Desert to the Greek islands. This development underscores the evolving nature of irregular migration patterns.
Key points
- The new migration route from Libya to Greece via Kufra, Ajdabiya, and Tobruk has seen a significant increase in usage, with over 25,000 attempts recorded in 2025.
- Kufra has become a key entry point for Sudanese migrants, with 82% of those entering Libya from Sudan passing through the town.
- The Greek coast guard has reported 8,552 arrivals on Crete and Gavdos in the first half of 2026, with 780 of these being unaccompanied minors.
