The latest estimate comes amid an intense discussion on migration within the EU, fuelled by public perceptions that the influx has risen dramatically.

The Geneva-based IOM noted that the 2015 figure was only slightly higher than in the comparable period last year

Of the 103,000 refugees and migrants who have reached Europe on overcrowded fishing boats and inflatable dinghies, 54,000 landed in Italy while 48,000 made it to Greece - many of them Syrian and Afghan refugees who crossed from the Turkish coast, the UN said.

Another 920 have arrived in Spain and 91 in Malta.

Tens of thousands more refugees and asylum seekers are expected to head for Greece and Italy this summer

With Press