Many of them are refugees running from wars and conflicts. Others are escaping famine, illness, and searching for a better future. All of them want to get to Europe and in order to do so are willing to pay thousands of dollars to make the trip.They are willing to become “three-d” workers- those willing to take dirty, dangerous, and/or degrading jobs that national citizens are unwilling to do.

The smuggling routes themselves change within the political context of North Africa and the Balkans. Since the 80’s smuggling illegal migrants became a very lucrative business. The actors involved are often criminals who move as well guns and drugs.

In 2014 most migrants came from the sea route; the easiest route since the chaos began during Libyan revolution of 2011. With Gaddafi deposed, the bilateral agreements between the Colonel and Italy came to an end. As a result nobody is patrolling the coasts and smugglers can easily transport people without the risk of being stopped at coastal checkpoints. From January to August nearly 113,000 immigrants arrived on Italian ports. At least other 3,000 drowned. They mainly arrive from Eritrea (28,557) Syria (23,945) and from Sub-Saharan Africa (14,347).

There are also other ways to enter Europe and one of these is in the false bottom of a truck which conceals a secret compartment.