Clandestine Migration to Europe

There is a growing crisis the youths of Africa are facing – a life of extreme poverty and no opportunity for any kind of employment. They are forced into joining the thousands who migrate illegally to Europe in search of jobs. Mauritania is one of the main departure points where thousands of young Africans make the journey to Europe each year as illegal migrants – risking people smugglers, deserts, sea crossings, the possibility of being sent home, or death, all for the chance to find a better future. Youths sell jewelry and everything their families can spare to buy a space on a boat destined for Europe. The main aim of migrants is to reach European soil – be it mainland Europe or the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla or islands in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

About 30,000 Africans were caught trying to reach the Canary Islands alone last year. The immigrants make the treacherous journey,  dangerously packed onto tiny open African fishing boats- which are not suited for the rough Atlantic crossing.  They give their money to Mafia-like boat organizers who profit from his misery. Anti-trafficking officials say it is mostly organized crime networks that purchase the boats, often using fishing canoes. A space on the boat can cost up to $3,000.  Thousands of people die making the crossing or are imprisoned upon arrival and eventually deported.

“If most of us are trying to leave this country it’s because we have no opportunities here.”

Jean-Philippe Chauzy, of the International Organization for Migration, said countries like Spain were attractive to immigrants because it was easy to get a job there without going through official channels. “The main pull factor again is the existence of jobs in the economies of the host countries. These jobs are, most of the time, in the informal sector, so we would suggest that if countries are serious about tackling irregular migration, one of the suggestions would be basically to tackle the issue of irregular employment in the country of origination.”

The owner of TPS had the same opinion and realized the best way to encourage the youths to stay in Africa was to provide employment opportunities. TPS proudly employs 505 permanent employees.  It provides long term job skills and training to these hard-working youths who were finally given an opportunity.  All they wanted was a chance to support themselves and to help their families. They are now very happy to be able to stay in Africa and to be self-reliant.