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Security Studies

Book

Review Illegal Migration and Crime

Authors: Prof. Osman Alhassan Mohammed Noor, and Dr. Yasser Awad Alkarim Almubarak.
Publisher: Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, 2008.

Review and Commentary Migration is an international phenomenon that exhibits variations in both its
directions and levels across different countries. Primarily motivated by economic
Prof. Sayed Amer factors, migration is often driven by developmental shortcomings in the countries
Naif Arab University for of origin and the workforce needs of receiving countries. Not all forms of migration
are illegal; the majority of migrants to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries,
Security Sciences for example, enter through legal channels. Similarly, Europe holds significant global
importance as a major recipient region for migrants. In both cases, migrants seek a
98 decent standard of living due to economic hardships and high unemployment rates
in their home countries.
As for illegal migration, it differs in terms of size, criteria, streams, characteristics,
consequences, dangers, and is directly linked to crime. The presence of a migrating
population creates a fertile ground for various crimes, particularly in the face of
ongoing security challenges like armed conflicts, climate change, food poverty,
economic crises, and emerging technological challenges. Among the significant
crimes directly associated with illegal migration are terrorism, fraud, and drugs
smuggling and trafficking.
This book comprehensively examines multiple facets of illegal migration,
encompassing relevant concepts and terminology, the differentiation between legal
and illegal migration, human trafficking, the potential interplay between asylum
and migration, the nature of international migration, its motivations, consequences
in host countries, and its effects on social dynamics and economic resources. The
book also delves into the streams and characteristics of illegal migration, exploring
some of its routes and crossings in the Arab region. Examples include Maghreb states
serving as a crossing for illegal migration from Africa to Europe, Turkey as a crossing
for migrants from the Middle East and Eastern Europe to Western Europe, and Egypt
as a crossing for migrants from Africa to Europe and America.
In this context, the book critically examines the endeavors undertaken by Arab
countries, whether as countries of origin or destination for migrants, in combating
illegal migration. These endeavors encompass legislative measures, enhanced border
control mechanisms, and intensified media campaigns aimed at raising awareness
about the perils of deception and the utilization of illicit modes of transportation.
The book sheds light on the laws against illegal migration enacted by Maghreb states,
including those established at the dialogue summit held in Tunisia in 2003 to combat
secret migration. Additionally, the Kingdom of Morocco imposes prison sentences of
up to twenty years for anyone aiding refugees in migrating across Moroccan territory.
Despite these efforts, the numbers of migrants continue to increase rapidly through
various migration routes, accompanied by growing security challenges, necessitating
the proactive involvement of security bodies in both source and destination countries
to address this phenomenon.
The book also explores the global perspective on illegal migration and its connections
to crime, critically examining international agreements aimed at combating migrant
smuggling and the repercussions of illegal migration. Europe and North America face