Algeria is seeing an escalating number of illegal immigrants, backed by private networks that amass considerable profits from those seeking migration, sometimes reaching up to $8,000. However, the journey to Europe often ends for many of these individuals at the bottom of the sea.
The boats represent a “chance” for a better life, as some of the Algerian youth, both male and female, perceive it. However, the looming dangers could make their attempts to reach the northern shore of the Mediterranean their final voyage.
Nassim’s Story
Nassim, a young Algerian who attempted illegal migration, unveiled the details of the grueling journey to Sky News Arabia. Nassim said, “Clashes occurred inside the boat, leading to imbalance and its overturning. Everyone then was saying ‘Every man for himself’, as nothing existed but the sky and the water. The sky was above, and we were in the water.” He added, “Some boys from my neighborhood are still missing to this day, and some have died. May God have mercy on them. The rest of us continued to swim until we were found and rescued by fishermen.”
Sea Gangs
Algeria’s long coastal strip has attracted so-called human trafficking gangs, to the point where what is known as the “death boats” often carry double the agreed number of individuals. In other cases, migrants find themselves aboard rubber or locally made traditional boats, devoid of safety conditions. It may even reach the point where the helm of the boat is handed to someone lacking maritime experience, unfamiliar with the correct routes.
Support Demands
Hany Mohammed, a member of the Cooperation and Community Committee in the Algerian Parliament, told Sky News Arabia that the European Union is supporting some countries such as Libya, Tunisia, and Turkey with amounts reaching nine billion dollars to combat this phenomenon. During a meeting with the EU ambassador, Algeria proposed support to have the resources to monitor and limit our youth’s migration, attempting also to convince them not to head towards Europe, which no longer can bear the Algerian youth approaching it illegally.
The journey to reach the coasts of Europe varies in its cost, depending on the type of boat intended for boarding. It may reach up to $8,000, collected by networks that the direct officials do not know, despite the security services’ toppling many of their branches and dealers. In 2009, the Algerian Parliament ratified a law criminalizing illegal immigration, penalizing the perpetrator with imprisonment that might exceed six months. As for those responsible for the network, their penalties may reach imprisonment for five years or more.
