EU raises concern over refugees being smuggled through Egyptian routes

The European Union (EU) has been keeping a clsoe eye on the Greek and Turkish borders, which have been straining with the continuous arrival of thousands of immigrants form war-torn Libya. Recently, reports have surfaced that a growing number is being smuggled through the lesser-used routes of Egypt.

The English Al-Arabiya reports that, the usual smaller number of Egyptian refugees that are seeking asylum in Europe may be getting larger, a development which will affect the immigrant crisis that has seen more than a million enter the region last year. The worsening situation in Syria is triggering the rise in numbers. Thousands of Homeless refugees from Africa and the Middle East have sought the help of smugglers to bring them through undetected by voyaging Egyptian waters. The journey may be longer than the Mediterranean crossing, but help comes faster once the vessels reach international shipping lanes.

An EU official admits that the issue is pressing. There are also worries that militants from Sinai, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State will also take these same voyages, posing as harmless war victims.

Reuters reports that immigrants scared of death and torture in their homelands fork up huge sums of money to make the voyage. With the help of siblings and other relatives who have a job and property in European countries, they pay an average of $1,500 to $2,200 for one boat trip that smuggles them in along with 600 other people. Aside from the overcrowding, their safety is compromised by the smugglers' use of worn-out boats that need repairs. Vessels can sink, leading to the loss of lives.

Meanwhile, the smugglers make a huge killing, earning $800,000 to $1 million for each boat tirp.

The EU official suspects that Egypt looks the other way when it comes to the smuggling because of their own immigrant problems.

The same holds true for Europe, says Carnegie Europe. Despite its spotty records on human rights, European leaders continue to support Egypt because it represents stability in the volatile region. The EU diplomat says that this is the same reason why the EU may not pressure Egypt into looking into the smuggling of immigrants.

Tags

immigrant crisis, Egypt, European Union, smuggling

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