Illegal Migration in Algeria: History, Stages of Development, and Methods

Summary:

This research aims to shed light on the reality and facts of illegal migration in Algeria, exploring its history, stages of development, methods, and social and national implications. It examines the historical phases, reasons, forms, and reflections of illegal migration on both social and national realities, as well as the measures taken by the Algerian government to tackle this international phenomenon, which has become a critical issue for Algeria. Algeria’s efforts to combat illegal migration have manifested both internally and externally, creating numerous job opportunities through developmental and economic projects to reduce poverty and unemployment, alongside other measures. Additionally, Algeria has signed cooperation and coordination agreements with several European and regional countries to counter this phenomenon.

Keywords: Illegal migration, youth, human trafficking, implications of illegal migration, motivations, adopted measures.

Importance of Research

The importance of this research arises from the fact that illegal migration threatens Algeria’s security and stability in various economic, social, political, and security aspects. Understanding its history, stages of development, methods, and effects on various facets of social, economic, and national life is imperative. It is also vital to clarify Algeria’s mechanisms for addressing this phenomenon and understanding its dangers to work toward elucidating and resolving it.

Objectives

Defining the phenomenon of illegal migration in its general sense, as it has evolved into a problem faced by most Arab countries, which is a security issue that has caused tensions in relations with some European and regional countries. The primary goal of this research is to reach the best outcomes, recommendations, and conclusions to confront such a dangerous and complex phenomenon.

Problematic

The central problematic of this research revolves around illegal migration in Algeria: its history, stages of development, methods, and social and national consequences. Illegal migration is one of the most important topics occupying the interest of countries, particularly in the context of global economic globalization, trade facilitation, lifting restrictions on goods, and capital movement, which has led to negative economic, national, political, and security repercussions for the Algerian state. In light of these developments, the phenomenon of illegal migration among Algerian youth toward European countries has notably emerged in their search for better lives.

Since illegal migration has resulted in numerous problems, evolving from a social issue to a primarily security problem that threatens Algeria’s stability and security, it encompasses not only the migration of individuals and groups but also episodes of unrest and exploitation.

Previous Studies

• Rashid Saad, “The Reality of Illegal Migration from the Perspective of Human Security,” Mohamed Kheider University of Biskra, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Master’s Thesis, Algeria, 2011-2012. This study focuses on the reality of illegal migration and some theories explaining migration while reviewing the historical development stages of migration, including encouragement phases, migration stoppages, and migration to Europe.
• Ruqayya Suleiman Aouachria, “Towards a Vision to Address the Phenomenon of Illegal Migration (Algeria as a Model),” Arab Journal of Security Studies, Vol. 33, Issue 71, Riyadh, 2018. This research reviews illegal migration in Algeria, its history, factors, and implications, and proposes a vision to deal with this issue.

Methodology

The methodology in language refers to the path, means, or method by which a researcher aims to achieve a specific goal or result to arrive at the truth. In this effort, I will rely on a historical-social methodology that allows access to general principles and laws. This can be achieved through researching the details of historical events that occurred in the past and analyzing the facts related to social problems, revealing the deep causes of social phenomena, transforming them into historical phenomena, and tracking the results left by these phenomena. This methodology relies on sources related to the phenomenon or historical event and reconstructs social operations while connecting the present to the past to understand the initial social forces responsible for shaping the present. The objective is to arrive at a clear understanding that allows for the formulation of social principles and laws while also comprehending the behaviors of individuals and groups. Studying history helps us understand the influencing factors on current social problems, thereby enabling us to lay suitable foundations for social planning and reform by recognizing the actual sources of problems and their impact on social living conditions.

Outline Clarification

The research focuses on the following:

1. Historical Introduction: An overview of the reality of illegal migration in its general sense.
2. Historical Development Stages of Illegal Migration and its Motivations toward Europe.
3. Methods and Forms of Illegal Migration.
4. Implications of Illegal Migration and the Measures Taken.
5. Conclusions and Recommendations.

Historical Introduction

Some Arab countries, particularly Algeria, have been subjected to influences from regional and foreign countries, especially after experiencing numerous disturbances and crises affecting various aspects of life, both internally and externally, leading to cultural, scientific, and social changes. These changes have predominantly impacted the Algerian youth. Consequently, illegal migration is considered one of the most significant issues that scholars and historians are keen to explore and study.

Illegal migration is a global social phenomenon known since ancient times, with its prominent causes attributed to disasters, wars, and the quest for dignified living. It is one of the most contemporary topics that mirror reality and is of global and national concern. Illegal migration is a complex phenomenon due to the multitude of elements constituting it, primarily regarded as a security issue as it transitions from a social issue intertwined with political and economic challenges. Thus, it threatens the security of states as a primary concern and individuals secondarily while violating laws.

Algeria can be deemed a fundamental and significant model for this international phenomenon of illegal migration toward the northern shores of the Mediterranean due to the worsening economic conditions starting from the 1980s, resulting in high unemployment, especially among Algerian youth, extending even to degree holders. This is linked to historical, economic, social, and political factors connecting Algeria with some European countries.

Illegal migration, whether clandestine, illegal, or irregular, refers to the entry of an immigrant from one country to another without a visa or residence permit, whether by sea, land, or air.

Illegal migration is also defined as a series of different phenomena, encompassing individuals who enter a country that is not their own contrary to the internal laws of that country, and includes individuals who remain in a country without a visa or residence permit.

The legal definition of illegal migration considers it the permanent departure of an immigrant from their home country’s territory to the territory of another country.

International agreements concerning the protection of migrant workers and their families, adopted by the General Assembly on September 18, 1990, define migrant workers in Article 2, Section 1, Paragraph (a) as individuals who work or will work or have worked in paid activities in a country that is not their own. Article 5, Paragraph (a) states that migrants are considered in a legal situation, along with their family members, if they are allowed to transit, reside, and work in the country where they perform their work according to the applicable regulations of that country. Paragraph (b) provides a specific definition for illegal migrants, stating that “those who do not meet the conditions set out in Paragraph (a) of this article are considered undocumented and in an illegal situation.”

In Algerian law, illegal migration is defined according to Ordinance No. 66/211 dated July 21, 1966, as “the entry of a foreign person into the homeland through secret means or with forged documents with the intention of settling or working.”

International organizations regard illegal migration as “that which causes migrants to violate conditions established by international agreements and domestic laws.” Accordingly, illegal migrants are defined as:

• Individuals who cross borders illegally and secretly avoiding surveillance.
• Individuals authorized under a contract but violate this contract, either by engaging in unauthorized work or work penalized by local law.
• Individuals who enter a country’s territory legally with a residence permit but exceed their length of stay and become illegally present.

Additionally, several theories have emerged to explain the phenomenon of illegal migration, including: the economic theory, which claims that many compelling economic theories concerning illegal migration exist. Ernest Ravenstein, known for presenting the first migration theory in 1885, stated that migration is governed by push and pull factors. In other words, difficult living conditions, low income, and poverty drive individuals and groups to leave their countries and emigrate to better countries for a dignified living. Proponents of this theory often consider the migrant’s perspective, with the decision to migrate made after examining the costs of migration against the benefits gained from moving from their home country to the host country.

Historical Development Stages of Illegal Migration and its Motivations toward Europe

European countries are a vital center for migrants due to their geographical location, strong economies, and availability of job opportunities. It can be said that migration toward Europe has passed through three main stages:

Stage One: The State’s Encouragement of Legal Migration The roots of Algerian migration to Europe can be traced back to the period of French colonialism in North Africa. During this time, large groups migrated towards European countries, notably France. The years prior to World War I (1914-1918) witnessed considerable migration, aided by laws issued by French colonial authorities concerning migration, primarily a law issued in 1914 that lifted restrictions on migration and encouraged spontaneous migration. The French managed the migration, exploiting migrants, particularly those with competencies for the benefit of the French economy, employing some of them to work in factories and mines and in service of the French economy, as well as voluntary service in the French army. It is noteworthy that the Maghreb states provided around 175,000 soldiers and 150,000 workers to the French during World War I (1914-1918), the majority of whom were Algerians who migrated to France. Some sources indicate that by the mid-1920s, the number of migrants reached around 120,000 workers due to France’s need for labor and the worsening economic conditions in Algeria due to French control over agricultural lands and natural resources. Between 1900-1939, France’s labor needs were critical due to a shortage of local workers, which significantly declined due to the reduced birth rate. The outbreak of World War II (1939-1945) led to significant losses of soldiers, prompting France to facilitate migration to sustain its economy. After 1945, most migrants returned, leaving only about 10,000 workers from North African countries residing in France.

Stage Two: The Cessation of Migration In 1973, the oil crisis affected most countries worldwide. Following this crisis, migration was deemed a primary issue threatening the future of nations. It was only natural for European nations to seek suitable solutions. They began to close their borders to all forms of migration, including refugees and family reunification. In the same year, Algeria issued a decision from the Revolutionary Council, stating, “Given the deplorable situation of Algerian migrants in France due to racism and persecution, the Revolutionary Council and the Council of Ministers, after bowing to the new phase of martyrs who bear no blame except for demanding equality, decide on the immediate suspension of Algerian migration pending assurances of safety and dignity for Algerians by the French authorities.” Several European countries adopted measures to prevent migration, introducing a tourist visa system valid for several days or months and relying on selecting migrants themselves. Meanwhile, migrants suffered from racism and discriminatory policies attributed to two main reasons:

The concentration of migrants in one place in large numbers.

A significant rise in unemployment, with more than 5.82 million unemployed in the European Common Market in 1978, of which 22.8% were French and over 300,000 were unemployed foreigners.

Stage Three: The Emergence of Illegal Migration European countries agreed on the necessity of closing borders and tightening control to prevent migrants from reaching them. This approach was implemented in early 1974, significantly restricting migration to family reunification, asylum, or various forms of clandestine migration. Notably, European countries amended some of their laws regarding asylum in 1993, even though they only accepted 2 to 3% of the total number of refugees. Consequently, illegal migration increased, leaving European countries with no option but to integrate long-term migrants into European society and regularize the status of illegal migrants. These measures had negative repercussions on European countries, as clandestine migration surged and became an international problem. In January 2007, several Algerian migrants were detained, leading to a decision to deport them from European countries, as illustrated in the table below:

Source: Rashid Saad, previous reference, p. 84, citing the National Gendarmerie Command – Chéraga – Algeria.

In 2009, statistical sources recorded a significant increase in illegal migration in Algeria, particularly among children and youth, attributed to several factors, most notably improved weather conditions. However, Algeria rejected the EU’s policy aimed at involving Southern Mediterranean countries in the fight against illegal migration toward Europe, justifying its refusal with an African policy that does not want Africa to act as a frontline guard.

Motivations for Illegal Migration:

The motivations for illegal migration are numerous, with the most prominent being:

Social and Economic Motivations: The isolation experienced by certain segments of Algerian society and differing circumstances and values between generations have led to problems among Algerian youth. Currently, they live very differently from those in the 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, the social and human values experienced by youth have resulted in disorders akin to a clash of values, especially concerning tribalism, along with the issue of corruption, particularly clientelism, time wastage, the rising costs of marriage, and the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse, especially among the youth. From these social problems, youth are compelled to migrate, including issues like housing insufficiency and inadequate family income, as well as domestic issues leading to parental domination or neglect, creating acute family conflicts. Consequently, the youth category faces numerous negative implications and effects, including addiction, sexual deviations, murder, psychological problems, and irresponsibility. Based on a study by Sabah Kim, a clear discrepancy appears between the statistics in the annual budget of the border police at the port of Oran, noting that these statistics are relative since many migrants attempt more than once and provide incorrect information (“false name, different age…”) upon their arrest to evade identification. Table 2: Statistics on Illegal Migration at the Port of Oran between 1998-2005

Conclusion

The phenomenon of illegal migration is complex and poses significant challenges and negative consequences for Algeria as a source country for migrants. This issue becomes even more negative as Algeria loses its youth.

Despite the measures and strategies Algeria has adopted to counter this phenomenon, it remains a genuine threat to Algerian society, primarily due to the insufficient attention to developing appropriate solutions, whether they are security, economic, or social. The repercussions have resulted in negative impacts on various aspects of health and social life and the loss of the youth demographic. Algeria’s continued struggle is exacerbated by European nations’ policies, which may be seen as a continuation of their previous colonial endeavors. Such countries drained the wealth and resources of the nations they once colonized and now perpetuate their exploitation of Algerian youth, resulting in strained relations with regional and European countries.

The geographic location of Algeria and its extensive borders with neighboring countries, along with its proximity to European nations, compounded by social, economic, and security issues, have significantly complicated the illegal migration phenomenon.

It is crucial to reflect on the issue of illegal migration.

Regrettably, Algeria has not succeeded in combating the phenomenon of illegal migration and lacks a clear future vision or strategy to mitigate this issue.

We recommend, first and foremost, that Algeria invest heavily in citizenship as a means to address the underlying causes of migration, such as poverty, unemployment, and crises. Moreover, Algeria should leverage the membership of these migrants to bolster the national economy through social justice efforts that provide job opportunities for Algerian youth without discrimination, by establishing developmental and economic projects that eliminate backwardness. In other words, a “better strategy for Algerian youth” is essential, along with the necessity for coordination and cooperation with regional countries to confront the phenomenon of illegal migration.

We emphasize the need for European countries to abandon their current policies and refer to France’s approach of selectively choosing migrants who meet their requirements. In essence, they adopted policies based on necessity. This mirrors what several European countries did post-World War II (1945), when they urgently needed labor and recruited it from Maghreb countries, particularly Algeria. Once self-sufficient, European countries began enforcing border controls and regulations to stymie migrant influx, effectively re-establishing a form of colonialism.

European countries should operate in a manner that fulfills everyone’s interests by monitoring borders, dismantling human trafficking networks, and establishing appropriate laws and legislation.

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