Poverty driving young Egyptians to risk deadly boat journeys

When two boatloads of would-be Egyptian migrants sank off the coast of Sicily in early November and many people died or were never found, the Egyptian media highlighted what has become a growing problem.

Egyptian fishing boats meant only for regional waters are favoured as the mode of transportation for human traffickers. (Image: Sarah Kamshoshy/IRIN)

Illegal immigration from Egypt to Europe has been steadily climbing over the past 10 years, according to Wagdi Abdel Aziz, director of the Cairo-based South Centre for Human Rights.

The exact number of illegal migrants is unknown, but it is estimated that 10,000-20,000 Egyptians illegally set sail for Europe every year, said Abdel Aziz. The number of those who make it to shore is not known.

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