How useful is the concept of transit migration in an intra-Schengen mobility context? Diving into the migrant smuggling and human trafficking nexus in search for answers

Abstract

When using the concept of transit migration, contemporary scholarly literature and policy documents typically refer to situations located outside or at the outskirts of the European Union. By analyzing the critical and empirical scholarship which uncovers the so-called gray area where it becomes hard to make clear distinctions that can be found at the nexus between migrant smuggling and human trafficking, the article aims to shed new light on the real-life vulnerabilities and dynamics that do not fit prototypical legal categories of either human trafficking or migrant smuggling. In so doing, the article discusses and analyzes legal and empirical scholarship that uncovers these vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities observed are likely to be further enhanced in transit zones where stranded individuals within the EU aim to continue their (increasingly) fragmented/non-linear migration journeys. Therefore, the article proposes to consider the usefulness and the usage of the notion of “transit migration” in the context of Intra-Schengen border mobility and not just when discussing external border mobility. The article argues that the concept of transit migration, if carefully defined, and if particular vulnerabilities found in transit space are recognized, can serve as a helpful lens that can prevent falling into the trap of conceiving migrant smuggling and human trafficking as strictly separate phenomena.

LGBTQI + Migrants: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework of Health, Safety and Wellbeing during Migration

“…For many, transit is non-linear or even circular, and often transit points can merge into the final destination [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Countries can serve as transit for some individuals and destination for others, with transit zones developing based on proximity and opportunity to cross borders, and irregular movement across borders commonplace [ 23 ]. Individuals who migrate may not access official migration services or resettlement pathways immediately, or only claim asylum once a final, not interim, destination has been reached.…”

Migrants' living conditions, perceived health needs and implications for the use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study

“…Previous work on migration has shown that forced migrants may be exposed to abuse, exploitation, violence, and poor living conditions with limited access to basic necessities during migration 23–25 . The findings of this study have shed light on the implications for the use of antibiotics and AMR in migrant groups.…”

“…They support previous studies in showing the exposure to violence and poor conditions, and risk factors for poor health outcomes and spread of infection including overcrowding, and limited access to basic necessities, clean water, or healthcare that particularly forced migrants experience during long transits. [23][24][25] T A B L E 2 Subthemes and supporting quotes of theme 5.…”

“…Previous work on migration has shown that forced migrants may be exposed to abuse, exploitation, violence, and poor living conditions with limited access to basic necessities during migration. [23][24][25] The findings of this study have shed light on the implications for the use of antibiotics and AMR in migrant groups. They support previous studies in showing the exposure to violence and poor conditions, and risk factors for poor health outcomes and spread of infection including overcrowding, and limited access to basic necessities, clean water, or healthcare that particularly forced migrants experience during long transits.…”

“…They support previous studies in showing the exposure to violence and poor conditions, and risk factors for poor health outcomes and spread of infection including overcrowding, and limited access to basic necessities, clean water, or healthcare that particularly forced migrants experience during long transits. 23 , 24 , 25…”