Migration, development and diplomacy : perspectives from the Southern Mediterranean

Abstract

In recent years, migration across the Mediterranean has become an issue of growing concern to the countries of the region and beyond. It has also become a rather divisive issue between the two shores of the Mediterranean, as the interests of countries to the North and those of the South have often conflicted in questions related to migration in the region. The countries to the North have increasingly come to perceive irregular migration from the African continent as being “out of control” and as a threat to their national welfare systems and domestic peace and stability. Consequently, they have attempted to and ways to curb the flow of undocumented migrants across the Mediterranean. This has involved not only measures on their own territories to prevent irregular immigration such as enhanced border and maritime patrols, but they have also demanded stricter controls from their southern neighboring countries.