INTRODUCTION
Conflict in Iraq and Syria remained the dominant drivers of mixed migration flows in the Middle East in October. Amid ongoing insecurity in the region, refugees and migrants continue to face significant barriers to movement. Rigid restrictions on the entry of Syrians to neighbouring Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon remain in force, leaving increasing numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) stranded in border zones. The closure of borders along the Western Balkans route, and the implementation of the EU-Turkey Agreement, have reduced sea crossings to Greece, although October saw an increase in attempted land crossings from Turkey to Greece. Meanwhile, returns from Europe, particularly of Iraqis and Afghans, continue to grow, whether the enforced deportation of failed asylum seekers or the voluntary return of migrants to their countries of origin.
The following sections of this report describe monthly developments related to mixed migration by country, including reported arrivals, departures, internal displacement relevant to cross-border movement and discussion of relevant policy changes.
