Algeria represents the gateway to illegal immigration for many nationals from African countries. Indeed, in addition to the large number of Algerians who leave the country each year, many illegal migrants from the Middle East and Africa choose the Algerian coast to reach southern Europe.
As a reminder, the NGO Caminando fronteras recently reported a heavy toll on illegal immigration from Algeria. Indeed, according to the latter, 1526 harraga are missing or dead between 2018 and 2022.
Thus classifying the route linking between Algeria and the south-west of Spain as the 2nd most dangerous route for illegal immigration.
251 illegal migrants left Algeria for Spain since Christmas
In addition, in another report, the Spanish authorities reported last Wednesday that 251 illegal migrants left the Algerian coast to arrive in Spain since December 25. A number qualified as very important, but not the highest of the year.
On Wednesday December 28, 2022 alone, 136 people arrived in the Balearic Islands, departing from Algeria. Of which 24 are minors. The Spanish authorities have indicated that most of these migrants, including Algerians, come from the Maghreb, but also from sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the Spanish Interior Minister, between January 1 and December 15, 2022, 12,047 illegal migrants arrived in the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain. That is a decrease of 24.7% compared to the same period of 2021.
Older people join the trend of illegal immigration
Lately, young Algerians are not the only ones thinking about illegal immigration. Indeed, the balance sheets reported by the authorities concerned have been of several women, minors, but also elderly people who hope to change their lives by taking the risk of illegal immigration.
Following the example of his last, 65-year-old Nouara who is trying by all means to leave Algeria. Indeed, after losing her husband to covid-19, this Algerian woman began the procedures to obtain a visa allowing her to reach Europe.
But as a second plan, and in case of refusal of his request, Nouara thinks of illegal immigration. Indeed, to do so, she plans to sell her apartment and take the risk of a makeshift boat to join her cousin in Belgium.
