Irregular Migration, Human Smuggling, and the Eastern Enlargement of the European Union

Abstract

This article examines the consequences of the latest round of EU‐Enlargement in May 2004 on irregular migration across Central and Eastern Europe. Drawing on a unique collection of both quantitative and qualitative data related to irregular migration and human smuggling, the article first presents some long‐term trends in irregular migration across the region before taking up more recent developments in 2003 and 2004. While border apprehensions have broadly declined since about 2000 there is ample evidence for an increasing role of human smugglers in facilitating irregular migration. In addition, there are noticeable changes in the modus operandi of human smugglers.

Migration and Irregular Work in Austria : A Case Study of the Structure and Dynamics of Irregular Foreign Employment in Europe at the Beginning of the 21st Century

“…Doomernik et al 1997). Besides informal networks of family, friends and ethnic compatriots, professional networks of labour brokers and people smugglers also act on the intermediary 'meso-' level of migration actors (Faist 1995(Faist , 1997Heckmann 2004;Jandl 2007;Kyle & Koslowski 2001;Mavris 2002;Salt & Stein 1997).…”

“…Besides informal networks of family, friends and ethnic compatriots, professional networks of labour brokers and people smugglers also act on the intermediary 'meso'-level of migration actors and have drawn the attention of the scientific community for over a decade now (cf. Faist 1995Faist , 1997Heckmann 2004;Jandl 2007;Kyle & Koslowski 2001;Mavris 2002;Salt & Stein 1997). In his monumental study on illegal migrants in Munich and other German cities, Alt (2003a) notes the parallel existence of private networks, characterised by strong ties of interpersonal relationships, ethnic networks based on weak ties of common heritage, commercial networks based on weak ties of common interest (such as those of irregular labour brokers) where illicit services can be bought on informal markets, as well as criminal networks that involve the exploitation and deceit of irregularly working and/or residing migrants.…”

Changes in Irregular Emigration: A Field Report from Fuzhou

“…For example, if the potential emigrants have no relatives or friends in their destination countries, these brokers will promise to help them by offering them all kinds of assistance, such as providing accommodation and helping them find work. Interestingly, the aforementioned shifts towards less risky and yet more complex strategies in response to changing laws, regulations and enforcement methods, both inside and outside China have, according to Jandl (2007), also become a feature of irregular migration flows in Central and Eastern European countries. This is especially the case in relation to false and falsified documents, where – just like their Chinese counterparts – irregular migrants from Central and Eastern Europe are also using increasingly modern equipment and methods in the forging of residence permits, travel documents and visas.…”

Human Smuggling in Austria: A Comparative Analysis of Data on Smuggled Migrants from Former Yugoslavia and the Russian Federation

“…This could point to the fact that smugglers seem to utilize the “green borders”, which are crossed by foot more frequently coming from the east, than coming from the Balkans. In fact Jandl (2007:304) has pointed out that:…”