Recession Stems Oft-Fatal Boat Migration to EU

Fewer Africans seek greener pastures in Europe because of the global recession. The dearth of lucrative economic opportunities with their northern neighbors means less numbers of Africans are willing to risk their lives in often fatal journeys across the ocean. Experts emphasize that immigration is directly connected to the lure of economies elsewhere because people are driven by the hope for better lives to migrate, in spite of the risk of death en route to one’s destination. What the global economic slowdown has done is to take away the pull factor in Europe. As a result, these Africans no longer have the same appetite for the risky journeys. Adding to the diminishing appeal of the ailing economies of Europe is a revitalized crackdown on illegal immigration in response to worsening macroeconomic conditions. It is not surprising that Spain, facing 18 percent unemployment, has gone to the extent of offering payments to legal immigrants to coax them to leave. For now, Africans will be closely watching how the recession pans out to decide if it is still worth it to board the rickety boats headed for greener shores. – YaleGlobal