Illegal immigration out of Algeria up in 2007
2008-01-13
The temptation among young people to leave Algeria for Europe is growing. In 2007, nearly 1,500 Algerians were arrested along the coastline, and 83 more were confirmed dead.
By Lyes Aflou for Magharebia in Algiers – 13/01/08
 [Getty Images] An illegal immigrant in Spain awaits deportation back to Algeria. The phenomenon of illegal immigration from Algeria to Europe appears to be on the rise. |
The phenomenon of illegal immigration from Algeria to Europe appears to be on the rise. A recent Algerian navy report indicates that the number of people who died during the crossing and whose bodies have been recovered has risen steadily over the last two years, up from 29 in 2005 to 73 in 2006 and 83 in 2007.
The number of persons reported missing appears to run into the hundreds, judging by the number of applications made by families to the family tracking service of the Algerian Red Crescent (ARC). This body helps families trace their children by working in partnership with Red Cross organisations in Europe, particularly those of Spain and Italy.
The ARC says more than 50 applications are processed each month and forwarded, where appropriate, to the International Red Cross network for further investigation. This compares with a figure of between five and seven applications per month in 2001.
Navy Communications Chief Lieutenant Colonel Slimane Defairi told Magharebia that nearly two-thirds of the bodies recovered cannot be identified, due to their "advanced stage of decomposition". Defairi said most of the bodies that were identified belonged to Algerian nationals.
He went on to say that 1,530 would-be immigrants – 1,485 of them Algerian – were arrested in Algeria in 2007. These included 1,377 arrests made during ship inspections carried out at sea and 153 on ships arriving in port. These numbers mark a considerable increase over 335 illegal immigrants arrested in 2005 and 1,016 in 2006.
In light of the increase, Algerian authorities have adopted a raft of new measures, including the creation of a National Maritime Radio-navigation Agency under the aegis of the Ministry of Telecommunications, charged with constant monitoring, handling distress signals, and maritime safety. The ANRM works in partnership with the National Coastguard Service, which primarily carries out search and rescue operations. The programme divides the Algerian coastline into three sea regions – CNOSS Centre (Algiers), CROSS East (Jijel) and CROSS West (Oran), each of which is further subdivided into smaller regions.
Parliamentary Relations Minister Mahmoud Khoudri announced recently that, in the first half of 2007, a total of 35 sea rescues were mounted. During the operations, 61 boats and 12 makeshift craft were intercepted and 105 people were brought before the courts. He noted that the immigrants were predominantly young students, merchants, civil servants and unemployed people aged 18-40. According to Khoudri, "The concerns of young people and the phenomenon of illegal immigration are being closely examined by political leaders in Algeria."
Security services have also uncovered an organised crime network dealing in human trafficking in Algeria, as well as the rest of the Maghreb and the Sahel. The investigations are based on information gleaned from immigrants arrested along the country’s eastern coast.
One officer, who wished to remain anonymous, told Magharebia, "These immigrants said that to get across the Mediterranean, they each had to pay between 10,000 and 15,000 dinars."
Minister Khoudri said joint efforts are being made between Algeria and neighbouring countries, including the use of "recent equipment and investigation techniques... which will enable us to smash international human trafficking rings".
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ranya ahmed Posted 2008-01-14
Most Algerians aspire to development and prosperity and they’re not happy with their fate. This category ignores what’s going on around them and their wish to have money or citizenship has blinded them. Thank you for your efforts.
حسام Posted 2008-01-14
Poverty produced by Algeria will make all Algerian young people desert and only the officials and their sons will remain there.
chouaib mahmahi Posted 2008-01-14
Salam alaikoum. I thank the Algerian navy for saving Algerian young people in illegal immigration. I call Algerian people to be wise and forget illusions which they dream of in Europe because this is of no use as Europeans hate Arabs. Algeria is better than any other country; work is better than in Europe. May God guide Algerian youth. Thank you.
jackie Posted 2008-01-15
Most clandestine immigrants from Algeria to Europe are people prosecuted by law or addicted to ecstasy pills. As to others, they are illiterate and are deluded by boat traders.
جعوطي محمد شريف Posted 2008-01-18
Salam alaikoum. I’m an Algerian, Maghreb and North African young man. I understand pretty well what these people do and excuse them in someway. But I agree with banning of this trend by Seikh Al Islam Al Jaziri as it includes a direct and dangerous suicide which can cause the death of national spirit in our young people and fraternity among the young people of Muslims, and among young people of Africal. The former colonel minister of the ministry of defence in Algeria, the faithful Nizar Al Mahid, has himself fought this phenomenon and sowed in us young people of Algeria national spirit, fraternity, unity and legitimacy. During his mandate, young people rebelled against terrorism and hated it; but learnt it. There are many tumults, illegal immigration is considered an international pest and a breeding ground for terrorism. We should attack it, we should fight it . My brothers in the Islamic regime in North Africa, hand in hand and let’s go forward. Signed Al Mahdi Al Mountadhar, the guided Jesus. Ilyas from Algeria.
British Expat in Algeria Posted 2008-01-19
persicution, tourture, corruption, unemployement ,poverty, tight visa regulations to Europe are all contrabuting factors here , many go of to eurpe in search of a better life in the hope to return one day, daily young students tell me of their dreams to go to Europe in search of that better life , as always looking in to the deeloped world from 3rd world countires it will appear to them the streets are paved with gold!!!!
سارة Posted 2008-01-19
It seems that young people no longer accept advice because it's just words. Anyway, the nation is proud.
nesrine Posted 2008-01-19
We begin with the word of Islam. Salam alaikoum. This complicated problem in my country is threatening the majority of young people. Therefore, concerned authorities and we should consider it and give it due care.
enriuqe Posted 2008-02-06
In the name of God…Algeria is my country and I love my country. But there’s one point, I can’t live in my country…Why, because life there is almost impossible that’s why the Algerian young people think of the matters of life or death...illegal immigration...I don't blame them for this but I lay blame.... on Algeria.
boukarnafa Posted 2008-02-12
Hello, I am looking for some Algerians who departed from the willaya of Ain Temouchaint, M’said on 24 October 2006 and left Algeria via the beach of Sebiet el Giraldi destined for Spain. We have still not heard any news of them. Their names are Maachou Mohammed and Fessiou Ali. They apparently must be detained in Spain. Please, help us find them. We are very worried about not having heard any news of them. If you are able to possibly get any information on this subject, please email us. Thank you in advance
Abdallah Posted 2008-02-24
I would like to know if anyone has any information on haragas who left on a zodiac from Alrazawat on 28/08/2007.
aniss Posted 2008-03-07
Young people in Algeria are in a lamentable state of suffering. They suffer from unemployment, lack of living conditions and a scarcity of job opportunities. They are dying slowly. They are prone to all difficulties. Therefore, they choose illegal immigration. I am one example of this category. If I find a way, I won’t say no...
walid Posted 2008-03-16
Peace and mercy of God upon you. I am a young Algerian man from the capital… I understand your point of view… but don’t judge things you don’t know. By God, conditions have worsened in the parts of Algeria which drove us to think of the solution… and it is just crossing the sea and looking for a living which wasn’t ensured for us by our precious dictatorship which is only concerned with filling its bank accounts and its personal interests, it is generalised because all officials are in the same situation.
hadil Posted 2008-03-18
Salam alaikoum. I thank everyone who raised this issue because it really deserves debate and discussion. No one can understand Algerians except its people; no one will feel its sufferings except those who experienced the soreness of its living. By God I won’t forgive anyone who caused the suffering of these young men and women. When you will stand in front of your Creator, what are the words you will say and what are you going to say…Woe to you from your Lord, woe to you, Algeria is a legacy in the hands of its officials. Men and women died for it. Those who don’t know the true responsibility I don’t wish them to remain in it. I say again may God guide the young men and women of Muslims and guide our leaders to the good of all humanity.
DUST IN THE WIND Posted 2008-03-27
“All we are is dust in the wind.” That is the motto of thousands of Algerians. Scorpion, scorpion, scorpion, scorpion. Does our dignity mean nothing? How can we can we preserve our dignity if we travel? Protect our dignity!
TALIB KADRI Posted 2008-03-31
I'm agree with algerian who wante to leave to europe because this situation not exeptible for me let's go gays our contry can't give us the real life and comfortible situation gooooooooooooo.
ben kara mohamed el yamine Posted 2008-04-06
hi,i think that the fenominon of the illigal immigration or the harraga is an international problem wich all contries must participate to solve it, and particular in algeria because this fenominon increase evry day, i hope that the governement make more eforts to stop this mortal situation.
touta and sabah Posted 2008-04-09
salamo alaikom every body.i'm a student in the university of oran and im preparing some thing about this interesting subject so,i don't agree with those who said gooooooooooooooooooooooooo because it's a shame to encourage the unconscious youngers we have every thing but we don't know how to use this fortune please take care of our country because it is duty to do so
kamal boukader Posted 2008-04-13
This is not a country. We must all immigrate and run away. There is nothing. Kamal says to you there is nothing. Long live Harga (illegal immigration) and illegal immigrants. Down with plunderers, justice, like dogs, may God curse them. These are bastards.
محمد الشريف (بسكرة) Posted 2008-04-23
Salam alikoum. I love my country, only my country. I hope that the conditions of the Algerian people will improve, along with Algeria's pride and dignity.
Atef g Posted 2008-04-26
Haraga in algeria is very dangerous problem kill young people for nothing.salam
ilyac Posted 2008-05-10
Hi, I agree with the young people who are hoping to find a better life on the other side of the Mediterranean. Algeria is lost with no way home. It has gone down the erroneous path of poverty and despair. Why? Because… In fact, we all know why. Good luck to everybody wishing to rejoin this modest country!
ikram Posted 2008-05-11
hello,the issue of "al7rga" is very complex;for me the reason which make those young peaple risking theire life for it is the hope for better life but unfortunatly they will face the harsh truth.i live in broad but there is no place in this world better than my country 'ALGERIA'.
algerien sans reve d'europe Posted 2008-05-12
I am a young man. I live in Algeria and, like a lot of young people are, I was unemployed. But, praise be to God, I do tinker around everywhere. I don’t make millions, but I do as well as my brothers. Personally, I was like those who dream of Europe. I made my way through Morocco and spent five years living in Algeria without work. Then, the French sent me back to Algeria. I am happy, because there it was a life a of unemployment and being illegally unregistered. Just like a dog, I lived night and day in fear. No, my friends, I want to stay here forever and not be illegally in a foreign country. Goodbye
ahmed Posted 2008-05-19
I am a young Algerian. Europe is meaningless. Those who do not know how to get by in their country will automatically never get by. You disgrace your countries and rampage the countries of others. I agree with going there as a tourist, but going as an illegal immigrant is a shame. You are descended from heroes. Reevaluate yourselves.
Dalila 19-05-2008 Posted 2008-05-20
My brothers in Algeria and Morocco. I am an Algerian woman from Hamam Bouhajar, Wilaya of Ain Tamouchente. I am looking for my brother who is missing since November 09, 2006 from harga. He was going to Spain on a rubber boat and there was a second boat with them. When the engine stopped, the driver and his companion ran away on the other boat. My brother Samahi Attaj, his friend Fekkar Rabii and four people were with them.
dalila Posted 2008-05-20
I am an Algerian woman from Hamam Bouhajar, Wilaya of Ain Tamouchente. I am looking for my brother Samahi Attaj who is missing since November 09, 2006 from harga.
guennda rachids Posted 2008-05-20
I am an Algerian student. I would like to know about waterports.
rami_bouroubi Posted 2008-05-26
I want to immigrate to Europe… I love the smell of Europe. I ask God to help me and make things easy for all illegal immigrants who hate life in the countries of poverty and misery. May God rest the souls of all illegal immigrants. Rome is calling…
salah Posted 2008-05-27
Salam alikoum. There is no one on earth who wishes destruction for himself. I am with those who immigrate to Europe because they didn’t find any shelter in their country, poverty and catastrophes in front of them and terrorism behind them in addition to humiliation. God Almighty has created poverty, that is true, but He didn’t create insult and humiliation. They will be accountable for this. Long live Elharga (illegal immigration).
algerie Posted 2008-06-11
What do you want me to speak about?... about the miserable lives the Algerians have here in Europe? Sorry, but I have nothing to say. Frankly, as for all the young Algerians, you need to get this idea out of your head; you are doing fine in your own country with your friends and family. I have been miserable here since I came here two years ago.
mohamed Posted 2008-07-17
It happens.
ariche Posted 2008-08-11
We all know it is not better to stay in Algeria. The problem is with Hogra. There is all that paperwork to get a birth certificate, and you need a lot of time. The police make the people suffer.
mohamed Posted 2008-08-27
Salam Alaikoum, It is sad that the illegal immigrants are risking their lives at sea. If the Algerian state would offer them means to work or the means to have organisations for unemployment and so on, there would be no illegal immigrants. Why doesn’t anyone say this on the television? They always hide the truth. They say that immigration is illegal but they do not say that the trafficking of immigrants is the state’s fault. If it is necessary to stop this trafficking then offer work, pay raises and so on to the young people. If no solution comes about, then every year the trafficking of immigrants is going to increase. Long live Algeria! Down with the Algerian regime! Long live the young people!
bensalah abdelhak Posted 2008-09-22
I think the Algerian government is only proposing a partial solution: punish the people who tried to flee their country because of poverty. This is only the latest turn of events, but will we ever have the courage to pose the question: “Why are the young people risking their lives by crossing the sea to another country?” The answer to this question is where the real solution lies.
NEUTRE Posted 2008-09-23
If the Algerian government occupied the Algerians like it does with the Polisario, we would not be here right now!
كمال Posted 2008-10-12
No to immigration, yes to the love of Algeria.
الياس Posted 2008-10-21
Peace and mercy of God be upon you. You may not believe that I was fighting immigration to Europe. I also advised many people not to think of it. But I have changed my mind as a result of the widely-spread unemployment, bureaucracy, terrorism, thefts, organized and non-organized crimes. In Algeria, only officials, their sons, grandsons and grandsons of their grandsons live to the Day of Judgment. Employment conditions are favouritism, diploma, femininity; femininity equals both the diploma and favouritism and more. So the only remaining outlet is the visa, passport and harraga on a boat.
maman déséspérée Posted 2008-10-25
I read what was written and I grieve for these missing kids and for those who want to leave in spite of the risks that lurk before them. My son has nothing but illegally emigrating on his mind, and I cannot manage to dissuade him. My hands are tied. I no longer know what to do. Help me! How can I get this out of his head? Do not ask me to try to reason with him; that is what I tried to do and got no result. –Thank you
kader Posted 2008-11-08
with the name of "Allah",i see that many Algerians prefer to cross the sea no matter what the cansequences are. it's only because we algerian see that life out there is better than it is here in our country, but it may not be the case when you get there. personaly i see that to endanger your life in the high seas is something wrong! if you find something more secure just go,and give it a try. it doesn't matter to take chance since if you r to stay in algeria without a job thanks to the good governmment we have. the only thing that matters for our leaders is MONEY= still as much as posible..thanks maghrarebia..we all Muslimes brothers. salam
ouadah Posted 2008-11-28
Long live Algeria!
Anonymous Posted 2009-01-18
May God guide them.
فضاضق Posted 2009-01-21
I hope that my brother immigrants won't do this.
Anonymous Posted 2009-02-11
Harga, I prefer to be eaten by worms rather than living in the country of discrimination. The flag of the third world.
lilia Posted 2009-02-27
Are you for or against the imprisonment of illegal immigrants?
وفاء Posted 2009-04-05
The causes of illegal immigration in Algeria are: 1- The prevalence of unemployment. 2- School dropout at a young age. 3- Failure of the state to support the ambitions of young people.
reine berbere Posted 2009-04-16
Salam- So long as there is life, there is hope. The day will come when these young people are going to recognise the value of their country. Personally, I think anyone who cannot succeed in his own country will not succeed later in Heaven. Thank you for covering this interesting subject.
جزائرية Posted 2009-04-18
As an Algerian citizen. I cannot blame my brothers and the sons of my country for the attempt to achieve their ambitions. After they found that all doors are closed in their face, the only thing they can do is run away to the countries of others hoping to achieve their dreams there.
ختام الححمايدى Posted 2009-06-26
Salam alikum. I thank you for this great work. Thank you.
wizard Posted 2009-07-03
Salam alaikoum- We are still at war, but this is not the problem!!! The enemy is your brother, and you cannot declare war on him or fight him! If you do, then you are a terrorist!
algerien Posted 2009-09-30
I am from Kabylia. I am not proud of being Algerian. I say that haragas and young haragas are men. Long live France, long live Italy and Europe. Love for Algeria.
البلدية ******* **** ****** Posted 2009-10-18
In the entry exam, study well and you'll pass.
yacine Posted 15 days ago
Salam alaikoum- I call on the Algerians to be reasonable and to forget these illusions. The Europeans hate the Arabs. May God guide Algeria’s young people.
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