Irregular Migration in the South Eastern Mediterranean: Socio-Political Perspectives

Abstract

This paper highlights major socio-political dynamics characterizing irregular migration (IM) into and through Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEM) countries. The coverage and analysis provided have departed from the contents of the 10 national individual reports submitted to CARIM in the early summer and subsequently discussed during the workshop held in Florence on 7-8th July 2008. Reports were to act as analytical notes describing various situational aspects related to IM in each country respectively. The present paper takes a larger regional perspective, offering a conceptual framework for identifying and understanding the socio-political dynamics at stake in the region. The conclusion highlights major recommendations that need to be taken into consideration to come to grips with the controversies of irregular migration in the region.