Clandestine immigration across the Strait of Gibraltar : effects of control mechanisms on immigration from North Africa

Abstract

The restrictive criteria imposed by European regulations and visa constraints since May 1991 on Moroccan subjects, have led to an increase in illegal or clandestine immigration from Morocco, both by Moroccan and sub-Saharan citizens who transit through Morocco with the intention of reaching Europe. Across the Strait of Gibraltar, only 14 kilometers separate Europe from the African continent. It is understandable why, despite the increasing importance of other routes in recent years, the Strait of Gibraltar remains the inevitable crossing for thousands of North African and sub-Saharan citizens trying to come to Europe and establish themselves there.