Tunisian Border Guards have stopped 14,406 refugees heading toward Europe since the beginning of the year. Since January 1, 501 vessels have been stopped by Tunisian authorities, the National Guard said on Friday.

The first trimester of 2023 has witnessed a 4-time increase in migrants stopped in Tunisia compared to the same period in 2022.

Authorities revealed that they have detained another 63 human traffickers and intermediaries who profit from refuge seekers.

People seeking a better life in the European continent have made Italy their preferred destination due to its close proximity to the African continent.

However, the Italian far-right government has cracked down on refugees. A law was passed in Italy which increased regulation on rescue missions that aid distressed migrant vessels. 

The rescue ship ‘Geo Barents’ was previously stopped by Italian authorities for allegedly breaking the new government regulations. The law mandates that rescue ships can only save one ship at a time, leaving the fate of distressed vessels to the uncertainty of the sea.

The huge influx of refugees is evident in an estimated 3,000 people who make the life-threatening trip from Tunisia to Italy each day.

President Kais Saeid’s government has been unable to secure funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that would allow the country to curb its economic crisis. 

EU and Italy officials have recognized the threat that this poses to their own governments and have pushed for a deal between Tunisia and the IMF.

EU chief Josep Borrel described the situation as "very very dangerous." Adding that, “If it (Tunisia) collapses economically or socially then we will be in a situation where new flows of migrants will come to Europe. We have to avoid this situation.”

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni warned that Tunisia's "serious financial problems" risked sparking a "migratory wave" toward Europe.

In addition, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani shared his boss’s concern saying, "For two months we have been saying, in all international forums: we must help Tunisia with financing from the IMF and the World Bank, giving at least the first aid pending reforms and verification of progress."