Asylum seekers' experiences on the migration journey to Italy (and beyond): Risk factors and future planning within a shifting political landscape

Images of desperate migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea often encapsulate Italy's role in global migration, yet a variety of political developments - including the closing of Italian ports to humanitarian ships since 2018 - highlight a political landscape that is increasingly opposed to newcomers. This study utilises survey-based, quantitative interviews with 810 asylum seekers in Lombardy, conducted in 2017 and 2018, to better understand the impacts of recent political shifts. Findings show that the journey is becoming more dangerous, and that extremely adverse conditions are experienced across a range of categories. Data also suggest that despite the high rates of victimisation and growing anti-migration sentiment, migrants plan to remain in Italy and would most likely make the same choices. Moving forward, these preliminary data emphasise the need for additional research - perhaps made possible with new communication technologies - and long-term strategic responses, rather than short-term 'emergency' planning.

Automated summary

Images of desperate migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea highlight Italy's role in global migration, while recent political developments, such as closing Italian ports to humanitarian ships, show a growing opposition to newcomers. Surveys with 810 asylum seekers in Lombardy in 2017 and 2018 reveal that the journey is becoming more dangerous and migrants experience extremely adverse conditions, yet they still plan to stay in Italy and make the same choices in the future. This emphasizes the importance of further research and long-term strategic responses to the challenges posed by the changing political landscape.