Clandestine emigration - a humanitarian tragedy of modern times

This book provides an objective analysis of the dangers and consequences of illegal emigration from Africa to Europe. The Canary route, also known as the Western migratory route, is the third most dangerous sea route in the world, with Algeria or Morocco as the gateway to Spain. It separates the Spanish islands of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hierro, Lanzarote, La Palma and La Gomera from the West and North African coasts. Notwithstanding its dangerous nature, the latter is increasingly used as a bypass route for migrants attempting to reach the European Union. The tightening of regular entry policies into Europe, the intensification of border controls and the austerity observed on central migration routes (leading to Italy or Malta) and eastern routes (ending up in Greece), have unfortunately made the Canary route a preferred route for many would-be emigrants. However, sailing the Atlantic is not without risks and damage, either to the migrants themselves or to their countries of origin, transit and destination.