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Before the Boat: Understanding the Migrant Journey

Knowledge Platform

Before the Boat: Understanding the Migrant Journey

In response to the surge in migrants crossing the Mediterranean—and the deaths and injuries that often result from failed journeys—European policymakers have struggled to find effective policy responses to stem the flow of boats. Deep, sophisticated insight into the decision-making process of those who undertake these journeys is necessary; without this information and a wider understanding of the political economy of migrant smuggling, policymakers essentially are making decisions in the dark.

The report, drawing from the authors' interviews with migrants, highlights gaps in evidence on migrants’ decision-making processes, perceptions of risk, and access to information. It also examines smuggling networks, which have been thus far overlooked in research efforts.
 

Date of Publication
Type of Resource
Target Audience
Government
Author
Jacob Townsend
Christel Oomen
Source / Publisher
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Language
English
Geographic Scope
Regional
Region
Europe
Workstream Output
No
Regional Review Process
No
GCM Objectives
Cross Cutting Theme
Human rights
Keywords
Migration policy and other public policies
Smuggling of migrants
Status
Published

*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).