Egypt - “Egyptian Unaccompanied Migrant Children: A Case Study on Irregular Migration” is a new assessment published by IOM Egypt designed to shed light on the irregular migration of Egyptian children to Europe.

Based on IOM counselling interviews in Egypt and Greece, the report looks at the driving forces behind unaccompanied children travelling irregularly from Egypt to Europe and their vulnerability. It also provides insights into the modus operandi and characteristics of smuggling networks operating from Egypt.

Over a million migrants arrived to Europe by sea in 2015 and some estimates suggest that up to 20 percent of them may have been minors.

This report provides recommendations covering prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership for the development of a multidisciplinary response to address irregular migration of unaccompanied migrant children.

“The report addresses the significant information gap on the issue of irregular child migration and comes at a time where Egypt is the highest sending country of unaccompanied migrant children to Europe. We are working closely with the government to develop an integrated response and are seeking donor support,” said Amr Taha, IOM Egypt Head of Office.

Since 2011, the percentage of unaccompanied children among Egyptian irregular migrants reaching Europe has been remarkably high. In 2014, they accounted for nearly half of 4,095 irregular Egyptian migrants arriving in Italy. In 2015, Italy registered the arrival of some 1,711 Egyptian children – more than from any other country.

The report can be downloaded from: https://publications.iom.int/books/egyptian-unaccompanied-migrant-children-case-study-irregular-migration#sthash.9IswpkjA.dpuf

For further information, please contact Nils Feller at IOM Egypt. Tel: +202-27365140, Email: iomegypt@iom.int