ATTITUDES OF EGYPTIAN YOUTH TOWARDS

MIGRATION TO EUROPE

2006

Attitudes of Egyptian youth Towards

Migration to Europe

Attitudes of Egyptian youth Towards Migration to Europe

Prepared for IDOM Project by

Ayman Zohry

March 2006

ACKNOLEDGMENTS

Many individuals and entities contributed to the production of this report and the

fieldwork preceded it. Special thanks go to the Italian Government who sponsors the

Information Dissemination on Migration Project (IDOM), The International

Organization for Migration (IOM) for providing technical support, and the

Emigration Sector of Ministry of Manpower and Emigration of Egypt for hosting

and implementing the activities of this project. Thanks go also to the Steering

Committee and the Scientific Committee of the project for providing guidelines and

support for the IDOM activities. The contribution of the Emigration Sector staff and

professionals are highly appreciated.

Thanks go also to Dr. Ayman Zohry, the principal investigator of this study who

prepared this report. The space is limited to mention all names of those who

contributed to the success of this study, but without a highly qualified data collection

team, and data processing staff, this work could have not be done; thanks to all of

those who made it possible to have this work done.

National Project Director Magda Abdel Rahman

International Project Director Bruno Botta

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments i

Preface 1

Executive Summary 4

Chapter 1: Introduction 9

Chapter 2: The Study Population 16

Chapter 3: Migration Intentions 21

Chapter 4: Migration Experience 28

Chapter 5: Exposure to Mass Media 37

Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations 41

References 50

Appendix A: Survey Staff

Appendix B: Fieldwork Sites

Appendix C: Survey Questionnaire

ii

PREFACE

This report has been possible thanks to the collaboration of the Emigration Sector of

the Ministry of Manpower and Emigration and the key sponsors of the Information

Dissemination on Migration Project (IDOM); the Italian Government (Italia

Cooperation) and the International organization for Migration (IOM). This report

presents finding of a field survey on attitudes of Egyptian youth towards migration to

Europe as part of the IDOM project.

The responsibilities of the Emigration Sector (ES) are to develop a comprehensive

Egyptian Emigration Strategy; to provide the necessary care for Egyptians abroad;

and to benefit from their scientific potential in order to contribute to the process of

development in Egypt. The ES has undertaken wide-ranging responsibilities

according to the following objectives:

• To develop executive plans and policies to encourage Egyptian emigration

and provide the opportunities that eventually ensure its success, on the basis

of the assumption that migration is a natural and stable phenomenon;

• To sponsor Egyptians abroad, encourage them to create Egyptian gatherings,

unions and clubs and focus on the second and third generations of migrants

by fostering their ties to their homeland;

• To achieve the maximum capitalization on Egyptian potential abroad,

whether in relation to scientific and research knowledge transfer or to the

contribution in savings to Egyptian development strategies; to support

Egyptian capacities inside and outside Egypt; and

• To establish an integrated database on Egyptians abroad, emigration markets,

and migration regulating legislations in destination countries.

1

The ES, in the framework of its objectives, duties and responsibilities, provides care

to all Egyptian gatherings abroad and facilitates their contribution to the

development strategy in accordance with the following activities:

• Supporting and encouraging Egyptian gatherings abroad;

• Conducting surveys and studies on the needs and requirements of external

labor markets and focusing on the provision of emigration opportunities

especially to potential permanent migrants;

• Collecting information on a regular basis on migration legislations in

different hosting countries in cooperation with Egyptian embassies and

consulates in these countries;

• Identifying the human and financial resources resulting from the migration

phenomenon in order to make the best use of them in development projects in

Egypt, and to achieve the maximum utilization of Egyptian expertise abroad.

• Encouraging Egyptian migrants to invest in Egypt in order to create strong

ties between them and their homeland;

• Developing an information dissemination campaign for the Egyptian youth to

raise awareness of the risks of illegal migration and guide them towards legal

migration channels;

• Cooperating with audiovisual media in order to maintain the Arabic language

among consecutive generations of Egyptians abroad;

• Developing and supporting cooperation channels with the entities and

institutions concerned with migration through the Supreme Committee of

Migration

• Receiving the complaints and inquires of Egyptians abroad through the

internet or mail and processing answers for them;

• Activating the role of the General Union of Egyptians abroad and amending

its legal framework; and

• Encouraging the creation of secondary unions under the supervision of the

General Union of Egyptians Abroad.

2

This report aims at exploring factors associated with Egyptian youth’s attitudes

towards migration to Europe in order to design an information dissemination

campaign to raise youth’s awareness of illegal migration and its negative

consequences and to provide directions for policy and advocacy.

3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

IDOM Project

Information Dissemination for the Prevention of Irregular Migration Project (IDOM)

aims at limiting irregular migration and curbing its risks. Through the provision of

information, it aims at positively influencing the choices of Egyptian Potential

migrants and to let them achieve a better understanding of migration realities. Egypt

is a labor migrants’ sending country and the number of Egyptian migrants abroad is

estimated between 3 and 5 million. Egyptians represent one of the target groups for

smuggling rings within and outside the Middle East. The Emigration and Egyptians

Abroad Sector of the Egyptian Ministry of Manpower and Emigration cooperates

with IOM in defining the profile of Egyptian irregular migrants and in raising their

awareness on the realities and risks of irregular migration including migrant

trafficking. IOM through this project aims at assisting the Government of Egypt in

developing specific means of information through the cooperation of institutional,

non-institutional and media counterparts in order to reach potential target groups and

influence their perception of migration realities. A mass Information Campaign

combining selected media, the participation of NGOs/Youth groups and tackling the

multiple aspects related to irregular migration (legal, socio-economic etc.) will be

developed in the second phase of the project. Through the project, a survey on

“Attitudes of Egyptian Youth Towards Migration” was carried out in the first phase

of the project in eight governorates; Cairo, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Dakaqliya,

Sharqiya, Fayoum, Menoufiya, and Luxor. Some 1,552 completed questionnaires

were successfully completed and analyzed. This report presents some primarily

results of this survey.

4

Objectives of this study

This survey and the focus group discussions are carried out to fulfill two main

objectives:

1. The first objective is linked to the identification of the push factors in the

country, with particular attention to the dynamics governing the irregular

migratory flows from Egypt to the European Union. The research focuses on

the broad dimensions of migration, both legal and illegal, towards the

northern shores of the Mediterranean. The research further tries to define the

socio-political and economic environment in which the decision to migrate

mature, with the aim of finding appropriate responses at the point of origin.

2. The second objective is to gather information about the level of awareness of

potential migrants about irregular migration and migrants smuggling from

Egypt. An important element of the survey is the identification of the

information consumption habits of the potential target group.

The study population

The study population was set to be young males between 18 and 40 years old. This

segment of population forms the pool from which illegal – and legal – migrants

comes from. Since Egyptian migration is masculine in nature, only males were

interviewed. A survey team was recruited and trained. The team was consisted of

highly qualified researchers from the Central Agency of Public Mobilization and

Statistics (CAPMAS), and the Emigration Sector. The fieldwork took place in urban

and rural areas in eight governorate; Cairo, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Dakaqliya,

Sharqiya, Fayoum, Menoufiya, and Luxor. The total number of completed

questionnaires was 1,552.

5

The preparation for this survey started with in the beginning of the project by

determining sample size and the geographical coverage of the fieldwork. The survey

questionnaire was prepared and tested in three villages in Menoufiya governorate

before being administered in the main fieldwork phase. Research approvals and

security clearance rules were followed and the Head of the Central Agency for

Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) approved the survey tools to be

administered in the eight governorates. Field interviewers received an intensive

training course for two days- 9-10 September 2005 – where role play and other

training techniques were used. A training manual was prepared and every

interviewer and supervisor received a copy of this manual. A senior CAPMAS

researcher with 20 years of experience was appointed as fieldwork coordinator.

Results

Reasons of migration

The results of the study indicated that the vast majority of youth who want to migrate

to Europe intend to return to Egypt after a temporary stay in the countries of

destination. These findings indicate that the Egyptian migration to Europe is a re-

production of the pattern of Egyptian migration to the Arab Gulf countries, where

young males migrate to achieve specific financial goals and then they return to

Egypt. Egyptian migration to Europe is different from other migration streams,

especially the Maghreb countries and Sub-Saharan African countries. Egyptian

migration to Europe is mainly male-dominated and temporary migration in general,

while Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa migration streams are dominated by males

and females who intend to stay in the destination countries in general. With respect

to the reason for migration, the study indicated that the main reasons behind

migration are the low wages and salaries in Egypt, and the lack of employment job

opportunities in Egypt, especially among new graduates.

6

Youth’s awareness of hazards of illegal migration

Regarding youth’s awareness of illegal/irregular migration and their consequences,

the results indicated that most of the interviewees are aware of the negative effects of

this phenomenon. At the same time 80 percent of the interviewees indicated that

legal migration to Europe is not easy. For those who intend to migrate to Europe, 61

percent prefer to migrate to Italy, 16 percent to France, and then comes Germany,

Britain, Netherlands, and Greece.

Sources of information on migration

The role of formal/governmental media as a source of information on migration is

almost negligible. The vast majority of youth indicated that they don’t depend on

formal/governmental sources. The main source of information about migration is

relatives and friends. The very limited role of governmental agencies, journalism,

media, and embassies makes it easy for rumors and falsified information on

migration to widespread.

Due to the way information about migration is disseminated, it is not a surprise to

notice that migration streams to Europe are originated in a network of villages in The

Nile Delta and Upper Egypt where family members and relatives help each other in

sustaining migration flows and lubricate migration through legal and illegal means.

The results also indicated the importance of migration brokers in the process of

illegal migration.

Future Migration Trends

Inspite of the hazards illegal migrants face in their journey to the other shore of the

Mediterranean, many return migrants indicated their desire to re-run the risk of

migration to Europe. It may look unwise, but the unemployment and low income in

Egypt, in addition to remittances current migrants send to their families and their

utilization in marriage, building modern houses in rural Egypt, attract new young

men to attempt to migrate.

7

Some Policy Recommendations

Since the motives of migration are overwhelmingly economic, reducing the

unemployment rates through creating job opportunities for Egyptian youth is viable

solution for reducing the risk of illegal migration and increasing protection. Bilateral

agreements aim at increasing the quota for Egyptian migrants and opening new

markets for Egyptian labor force are highly recommended.

The results of this study indicated that the main sources of information on migration

are friends, relatives, and peers. Hence, it is important to design information

dissemination to include face-to-face communications and community/village-level

activities to reach to potential illegal migrants. Mass media campaign is very

important, but it should be supported by advocacy campaigns at the level of the

villages and communities with high prevalence of illegal migration. Youth centers,

clubs, and places where youth gather can be used as venues for these activities.

8

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

In the face of the tightened policy adopted by the European community, especially

after the Schengen agreement in 1990 and the Maastricht Treaty (requiring a visa,

strict border surveillance, and imposing a selective ceiling for work permits), illegal

migration increased and illegal migration networks grew, especially from Morocco

to Spain across the Straits of Gibraltar and from Tunisia and Libya to the nearby

Italian coasts and islands across the Mediterranean. Statistically speaking and due to

the clandestine nature of this movement of people, accurate figures of the numbers

involved are difficult to estimate. Although the governments of sending countries set

measures to stop illegal migration, they can not eradicate it completely. Similarly,

the governments of host countries in Europe can not stop the movements of illegal

migration with high rates of success due to the complicated nature of this

phenomenon and its linkages to policy and socioeconomic conditions in the sending

and receiving countries.

Information Dissemination for the Prevention of Irregular Migration Project (IDOM)

aims at limiting irregular migration and curbing its risks. Through the provision of

information, it aims at positively influencing the choices of Egyptian Potential

migrants and to let them achieve a better understanding of migration realities. Egypt

is a labor migrants’ sending country and the number of Egyptian migrants abroad is

estimated between 3 and 5 million. Egyptians represent one of the target groups for

smuggling rings within and outside the Middle East. The Emigration and Egyptians

Abroad Sector of the Egyptian Ministry of Manpower and Emigration cooperates

with IOM in defining the profile of Egyptian irregular migrants and in raising their

awareness on the realities and risks of irregular migration, including migrant

trafficking. IOM through this project aims at assisting the Government of Egypt in

developing specific means of information through the cooperation of institutional,

9

non-institutional and media counterparts in order to reach potential target groups and

influence their perception of migration realities. A mass Information Campaign

combining selected media, the participation of NGOs/Youth groups and tackling the

multiple aspects related to irregular migration (legal, socio-economic etc.) will be

developed in the second phase of the project. Through the project, a survey on

“Attitudes of Egyptian Youth Towards Migration” was carried out in the first phase

of the project in eight governorates; Cairo, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Dakaqliya,

Sharqiya, Fayoum, Menoufiya, and Luxor. Some 1,552 completed questionnaires

were successfully completed and analyzed.

1.2 Rationale and Research Objectives

According to the project document, this survey – and the focus group discussions – is

carried out to fulfill two main objectives:

1. The first objective is linked to the identification of the push factors in the

country, with particular attention to the dynamics governing the irregular

migratory flows from Egypt to the EU. The research focuses on the broad

dimensions of migration, both legal and illegal, towards the northern shores

of the Mediterranean. The research further tries to define the socio-political

and economic environment in which the decision to migrate mature, with the

aim of finding appropriate responses at the point of origin.

2. The second objective is to gather information about the level of awareness of

potential migrants about irregular migration and migrants smuggling from

Egypt. An important element of the survey is the identification of the

information consumption habits of the potential target group.

1.3 Methodology

The study population

10

The study population was set to be young males between 18 and 40 years old. This

segment of population forms the pool from which illegal – and legal – migrants

come from. Since Egyptian migration is masculine in nature, only males were

interviewed. A survey teem was recruited and trained. The team was consisted of

highly qualified researchers from the Central Agency of Public Mobilization and

Statistics (CAPMAS), and the Emigration Sector. The fieldwork took place in urban

and rural areas in eight governorate; Cairo, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Dakaqliya,

Sharqiya, Fayoum, Menoufiya, and Luxor. The total number of completed

questionnaires was 1,552. In the presentation of the data, the names and identities of

the respondents are not provided to protect their privacy.

Fieldwork sites

In order to obtain a geographically representative sample, the research fieldwork

took place in eight governorates; four from Lower Egypt (Gharbiya, Dakaqliya,

Sharqiya, and Menoufiya), two from Upper Egypt (Fayoum and Luxor), and two

Urban governorates (Cairo and Alexandria). Except for Cairo and Alexandria, the

selection of the governorates within each region and the selection of fieldwork sites

within each governorate were based on the existence of well-established migration

streams (legal and illegal) between these sites and European countries. The judgment

was based on media reports in the last two years, the few available research reports,

and personal experience of the principal investigator.

A listing team was sent to the selected sites to construct lists of potential

interviewees. However, interviewers were asked to interview any person who could

be available in the data collection phase. Interviews took place in the coffee shops,

workplaces, houses of respondents, youth centers, and many other places where

youth could be available.

Questionnaire development

11

The IDOM survey involved a standard questionnaire for the collection of

quantitative data and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for the collection of

qualitative data. The standard questionnaire was obviously constructed in such a way

as to provide some data for formulating answers to the research questions set out

above. In drafting the questionnaire schedule followed a “common-sense” approach,

based on linking the research objectives with relatively simple questions which could

be readily understood by the respondents. However, also cross-checked the design of

the schedule with other surveys that were carried out in Egypt and developing

countries related to migration research.

An English translation of the final Arabic Language questionnaire is included in

Appendix C. It includes the following main groups of questions:

1. Background information:

Age, education, place of origin, marital status, work and income, family size, etc.

2. Migration intentions:

Reasons affecting migration intentions, preferred country of destination,

awareness of migration regulations, awareness of illegal migration, etc.

3. International migration experience:

Country of migration, reasons behind migration, experience of migration in the

destination country, work experience there, etc.

4. Migration of friends and relatives:

Experience of friends and relatives and their migration experience, etc.

5. Exposure to media:

This part of the questionnaire measures youth’s exposure to mass media and their

media consumption habits.

6. Plans for the future:

“What are your main aims in life long-term?” This was the only open-ended

question included in this part of the questionnaire. The purpose of addressing this

12

question to respondents is to have an idea about their future plans and aims in

general.

Data processing and editing

After the data collection was completed, questionnaires were reviewed for

consistency and completeness by office editors, and then were coded. The data were

entered and edited on micro-computers using a package called Epi-Info. The

statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to produce tables and to

carry out statistical analysis of the survey data. The data entry, computer editing,

tabulation, and statistical analysis were completed in four weeks.

Focus group discussions

Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with youth in four governorates

(Menoufiya, Gharbiya, Sharqiya, and Fayoum). Through FGDs, qualitative data on

migration intentions and experiences were collected to support and explain

quantitative data collected through the field survey. The results of the FGDs are

integrated in this report with the analysis of the quantitative data.

Training materials

A variety of materials were developed for use in training personnel involved in the

fieldwork (questionnaire and focus group discussion). A brief interviewer manual

giving general guidelines to be followed in conducting an interview, as well as

specific instructions for the focus group discussions with specific topics to be raised

in the discussion were developed.

1.4 Survey timetable

The preparation for this survey started with the start of the project by determining

sample size and the geographical coverage of the fieldwork. The survey

questionnaire was prepared and tested in three villages in Menoufiya governorate

before being administered in the main fieldwork phase. Research approvals and

13

security clearance rules were followed and the Head of the Central Agency for

Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) approved the survey tools to be

administered in the eight governorates. Field interviewers received an intensive

training course for two days- 9-10 September 2005 – where role play and other

training techniques were used. A training manual was prepared and every

interviewer and supervisor received a copy of this manual. A senior CAPMAS

researcher with 20 years of experience was appointed as fieldwork coordinator. See

table below for details on the survey phases.

Table 1.1

Survey Timetable

Activity Dates

Sample Selection and Locations 17 Sep. - 2 Oct. 2005

Questionnaire design 17 Sep. – 9 Oct. 2005

Training Field Supervisors 10 Oct. 2005

Pre-test 11 Oct. 2005

Finalization of Questionnaire 12 Oct. – 15 Oct. 2005

Training of Data collection Staff 9-10 Nov. 2005

Fieldwork 11-18 Nov. 2005

Office Editing 26-30 Nov. 2005

Coding 30 Nov. – 10 Dec. 2005

Data Entry 14-21 Dec. 2005

Computer Editing 25 Dec. 2005 – 1 Jan. 2006

Tabulation and Preliminary Report 2-8 Jan 2006

Detailed Tabulation 10 Jan. – 2 Feb. 2006

Focus Group Discussions 25 Jan. – 8 Feb. 2006

Final Report Preparation 27 Jan. – 4 March 2006

14

1.5 Organization of this report

After this introductory chapter, the analysis of the findings of the field survey and the

focus group discussions follows the sequence of the survey questionnaire.

Characteristics of the study population are presented in Chapter Two. Chapter Three

is devoted to the analysis of migration intentions of non-migrants, while Chapter

Four presents migration experience and dynamics of the study population. Exposure

to mass media is analyzed in Chapter Five. The last chapter is devoted to the

conclusion of the study and some policy recommendations.

15

2 THE STUDY POPULATION

This relatively brief chapter commences the presentation of the filed survey and

focus group discussions data. It contains the analysis of the background

characteristics of the youth interviewed in the eight governorates where the

fieldwork took place. This chapter therefore helps to answer the following

questions: What are the basic demographic, educational and socio-economic

characteristics of the study population? What are their migration choices?

Due to the masculinity nature of Egyptian migration where migration is

dominated by males, the study population was identified as males between 18-

40 years old. Almost 90 percent of Egyptian migrants are males (Zohry, 2005).

In addition, the involvement of females in irregular migration is almost nil. No

evidence of females’ involvement in irregular migration, especially to Europe.

1.1 Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics

Table 2.1 shows the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the

study population. With respect to the geographical location of respondents by

governorate, the number of respondents ranges between 154 in Alexandria and

278 in Sharqiya (9.9 and 17.9 percent respectively). The distribution of

respondents by place of residence indicates that 52.4 percent are urban residents

while 47.6 percent are rural residents.

Age of respondents ranges between 18 and 40 years old with a mean age of 27.4

years old. However, more than one-third of the total respondents are less than

25 years old (38.6 percent), and 26.5 percent are between 25 and 29 years old.

Hence, almost two-third of the respondents is less than 30 years old.

16

Given the relative young age structure of the respondents, the percentage of

singles is high (59.3 percent) and the percentage of married respondents is 40.1.

Only few cases of respondents are divorced or widowed.

Educational attainment is an important factor in explaining social behavior. The

educational profile of respondents indicates the dominance of the “technical

secondary certificate” and the “university degree”. Respondents with technical

secondary diploma comprise 42.3 percent of the total number of respondents

followed by respondents with university degree who comprise 23.6 percent.

Respondents with no education comprise less than one-tenth of the total

respondents. This educational profile is higher than the national average with

illiteracy rate around 30 percent. This is attributed mainly to the young age

structure of respondents.

Work status of respondents indicates a high level of unemployment (38.2

percent) compared to the national level (around 10 percent). Respondents who

are engaged in paid work were asked to give estimates of their monthly income.

While the average monthly income was 527.7 Egyptian Pounds, more than 50

percent of respondents’ income was less than 400 pounds. But we should keep

in mind that measuring unemployment using a simple unique question is not the

most appropriate way; it just gives a rough indicator of unemployment among

the study population.

Family size is an important demographic indicator. It summarizes many

socioeconomic factors; dependency burden, extended family norms and

traditions, cultural and societal factors. The results indicate that respondents

come from families with an average of 5.4 persons which is around the

national average.

17

Table 2.1

Background characteristics of respondents

Background characteristics Frequency Percent Governorate Cairo 176 11.3Alexandria 154 9.9Gharbiya 207 13.3Sharqiya 278 17.9Daqahliya 184 11.9Menoufiya 205 13.2Fayoum 163 10.5Luxor 185 11.9Total 1552 100.0 Residence (Urban/Rural) Urban 814 52.4Rural 738 47.6Total 1552 100.0 Age of respondents 18-24 599 38.625-29 411 26.530-34 253 16.335-40 289 18.6Total 1552 100.0Mean Age 27.4 years

Marital status Single/Engaged 917 59.3Married 621 40.1Divorced/Widowed 9 0.6Total 1,552 100.0 Highest level of schooling successfully completed None 139 9.0Primary 92 5.9Preparatory 115 7.4Secondary (General) 183 11.8Secondary (Tech.) 657 42.3University or more 366 23.6Total 1,552 100.0

18

Table 2.1 Cont’d

Background Characteristics of Respondents

Background characteristics

Frequency Percent

Work Status Yes 959 61.8No 592 38.2Total 1,551 100.0 Income LT 200 108 11.8200 - 408 44.6400 - 192 21.0600 - 81 8.9800 - 33 3.61000 + 93 10.2Total 915 100.0Mean 527.7 LE Family size LT 5 564 36.35-6 590 38.07-8 278 17.99+ 120 7.7Total 1,552 100.0Mean 5.4 Persons

2.2 Migration Experience and intentions of respondents

Out of the 1,552 individuals who were interviewed, less than one-third (31.6 percent)

ever migrated to any European country, while 68.4 percent never migrated. When

they were asked about their desire to migrate to any European country, 87.1 percent

of the youth who declared that they never migrated, expressed their desire to migrate

to Europe. When responding to a question on their willingness to stay permanently in

Europe in case of migration or they prefer to return to Egypt, 87.9 percent of those

who expressed their desire to migrate to Europe indicated that they want to return to

Egypt. Only 7.2 percent indicated that they will stay abroad (See Table 2.2).

19

Table 2.2

Migration Experience and Intentions

Question Frequency Percent

Migrated to any European country? Yes 491 31.6No 1,061 68.4Total 1,552 100.0 Want to migrate to any European country? Yes 924 87.1No 137 12.9Total 1,061 100.0 In Case of migration, do youth want to stay abroad or return to Egypt? Return 810 87.9Stay abroad 66 7.2Not sure 46 5.0Total 922 100.0

20

3. MIGRATION INTENTIONS

Migration intentions are just the starting point of the migration project. Prospective

migrants have to go through many stages in order to realize their migration

intentions. Considering the large supply of potential migrants on the one hand, and

the limited access to securing abroad jobs through legal channels on the other, some

prospective migrants may fall victim to various schemes and irregular practices prior

to migration. The need to address pre-migration conditions is important to prevent

other problems later on, particularly when migrants are already in the countries of

destination and are beyond the reach of national laws. In the interest of promoting

safer migration, this field survey collected data on migration intentions of youth to

explore their migration intentions and knowledge of countries of destination.

This chapter explores the following aspects:

1. Countries of desired migration ;

2. Reasons for intention to migrate abroad;

3. Source of information regarding desired country of migration; and

4. Awareness of illegal migration and its hazards.

5. Intention to stay abroad.

3.1 Countries of Desired Migration

The results of the field survey indicate that the prime desired destination for

Egyptian youth who wish to migrate is Italy. More than one-half of the study

population (53.4 percent) stated Italy as their favorite destination. France comes

second with almost one-fourth of respondents stated it as their favorite destination in

Europe. The relative weight of other countries is almost negligible; other countries

include the United Kingdom (6.5 percent), Netherlands (3.6 percent), Greece (1.8

percent), and Sweden (1.2 percent).

21

Table 3.1 Countries of Desired Migration

Country Frequency Percent Italy 492 53.4 France 214 23.2 Germany 60 6.5 United Kingdom 52 5.6 Netherlands 33 3.6 Greece 17 1.8 Sweden 11 1.2 Switzerland 3 0.3 Don’t know/Any country 9 1.0 Other Countries 31 3.4 Total 922 100.0

Hence, Italy and France were stated by

more than 75 percent of the respondents.

So that it is clear from these results that

the current Egyptian migration streams

to Europe target Italy and France. This

may be attributed – in part – due to the

well-established migration stream

between Egypt and Italy in many of the

field sites covered by this study.

Youth Said

“Every family in this village has at least

one migrant in Italy. In the past we used

to migrate to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,

but now Italy is much better than these

countries”

3.2 Reasons of Migration

Respondents who intend to migrate to any European country were asked about their

reasons behind their intention to migrate. Reasons are classified under two

categories; reasons related to origin (push factors), and reasons related to destination

(pull factors). With respect to push factors, three main reasons were stated by a

significant number of respondents:

22

• Income in Egypt is lower than in Europe (stated by 53 percent of

respondents)

• Bad living conditions in Egypt (stated by 52.8 percent of respondents)

• No job opportunities available in Egypt (stated by 36.6 percent of

respondents)

It is clear that all the main push factors

are economic; they are related to income

disparities between Egypt and receiving

countries, bad living conditions, and the

unemployment problem that youth face.

It was also clear from the focus group

discussions that most of those who wish

to migrate and also those who were deported while attempt to migrate are young

unemployed males. Most of them are primarily unemployed and lack the opportunity

to join the labor market for many years after their graduation.

Youth Said

“Working in Italy for only one year is

the same as working in Egypt for 15

years. Income there is very high and you

can save money”

With respect to pull factors, the main three reasons that attract youth to think of

migrating to Europe are as follows:

• I have friends there (stated by 23.6 percent of respondents)

• I have relatives there (stated by 16.9 percent of respondents)

• I have a job offer there (stated by 14.6 percent of respondents)

The results indicate that youth’s pull factors are their relatives and friends who ever

migrated to Europe. As youth clarified in the focus group discussions, job offers are

not documented job offers, they are just promises from their relatives and friend to

introduce them into the labor market in Europe should they arrive.

23

The focus group discussions with youth revealed another important factor that

pushes youth to think of migration; it is the temptation of wealth and decent life as

stereotyped by remittances, luxurious houses in the village, automobiles, and social

status of those who succeeded to migrate to Europe, especially those who were the

poorest of the poor in such villages.

Table 3.2 Reasons for the Intention to Migrate Abroad

Reason Frequency Percent

Reason for Migration Related to Origin – Push Factors Income in Egypt is lower than in Europe 490 53.0Bad living conditions in Egypt 488 52.8No job opportunities available in Egypt 338 36.6Help my family 173 18.7To improve my knowledge 75 8.1Family reunification 13 1.4Escape from family pressures and troubles 7 0.8Other 21 2.3 Reason for Migration Related to Destination – Pull Factors I have friends there 218 23.6I have relatives there 156 16.9I have a job offer there 135 14.6I want to see Europe 88 9.5More job opportunities there 83 9.0I Want to live in Europe 56 6.1I could study there 22 2.4Other 31 3.4

Total 924 100.0

24

3.3 Source of information regarding desired country of migration

Friend and relatives are the main source of information regarding the desired country

of destination. More than 80 percent of the respondents rely on their relatives and

friends on sketching a hypothetical picture on conditions prevail in the country of

destination. The role of media is less than 10 percent while the role of the Internet,

general readings, embassies, and the Egyptian authorities is almost negligible. The

conclusion to be drawn from these surprising results is that migration to Europe in

general is a sort of family-managed process where potential migrants rely on their

relative and friends – usually from the same village – to lubricate their migration to

Europe, especially with respect to illegal migration. Hence, they don’t rely on formal

entities since they have the feeling that these entities will not help them fulfill their

intentions.

Table 3.3

Source of information regarding desired country of migration

Source Frequency Percent

Friends/Relatives 749 81.1Media 77 8.3Internet 38 4.1General readings 38 4.1Embassies 4 0.4Egyptian Authorities 1 0.1Other 16 1.7Total 923 100.0

3.4 Awareness of Illegal Migration and its Hazards

Generally, most of the respondents are aware of illegal migration and its hazards, but

at the same time they realize that legal migration to Europe is not easy. About 85

percent of respondents mentioned that they would not migrate to Europe without the

25

needed documents, only 15.2 percent are willing to migrate without the needed

documents. In addition, 82 percent of respondents believe that there are groups that

facilitate illegal migration from Egypt to Europe.

Most of the respondents (94.7 percent)

mentioned that they ever heard about

the deported illegal migrants. Some of

the focus group discussions’

participants were deported while

attempting migration to Italy. Almost

three-fourth of the respondents are

aware of the consequences of illegal

migration but at the same time 78 percent of the respondents believe that legal

migration to Europe is not easy. Many of the focus group discussions’ participants

tried to migrate legally but they failed to do so. As it was mentioned above, it is the

contradiction between what is legal and what is possible that drive youth to migrate

illegally.

Youth Said

“We are fully aware of the hazards

associated with migration, but what can

we do without jobs or any source of

income? We have no other options, but

to migrate”

3.5 Intention to stay abroad

In case of traveling abroad, do you intend to come back to Egypt after a specified

period of time? The responses to this question indicate that the vast majority of youth

(87.9 percent) who want to migrate to Europe intend to return to Egypt after a

temporary stay in the countries of destination. Only 7.2 percent indicated that they

may permanently stay abroad. These findings indicate that the Egyptian migration to

Europe is a re-production of the Egyptian migration experience to the Arab Gulf

countries, where young males migrate to achieve specific financial goals and then

they return to Egypt. Hence, Egyptian migration to Europe is different from other

migration streams that target Europe, especially the Maghreb countries and Sub-

Saharan African countries. Egyptian migration to Europe is mainly male-dominated

and temporary migration in general, while Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa

26

migration streams are dominated by males and females who intend to stay in the

destination countries in general.

Table 3.4Awareness of Illegal Migration and its Hazards

Question Frequency Percent

Migrate to Europe without the needed documents? Yes 140 15.2No 783 84.8Total 923 100.0 Do you think there are groups that facilitate irregular migration? Yes 754 82.0No 166 18.0Total 920 100.0 Did you hear about the deported irregular migrants? Yes 872 94.7No 49 5.3Total 921 100.0 Know the consequences and penalties of illegal migration? Yes 686 74.4No 236 25.6Total 922 100.0 Easy to migrate legally to Europe? Yes 203 22.0No 721 78.0Total 924 100.0

27

4. MIGRATION EXPERIENCE

This chapter presents the experience of ever migrants (current and previous

migrants). It includes the experience of legal and illegal migrants to Europe. Current

migrants who were in a visit to their home country were interviewed. In addition,

previous migrants who returned to Egypt after fulfilling specific targets and those

who were deported were interviewed as well. This chapter sheds some light on the

process of migration, its cost, and an evaluation of the migratory experience.

4.1 Countries of Destination for Return Migrants

Again, and the same as the distribution of countries of destination by potential

migrants, come Italy and France on top of the list of countries of destination. Some

61.2 percent of return migrants targeted Italy and 15.7 targeted France, then come

Germany (3.9 percent), the United Kingdom (3.1 percent), Netherlands (2.7 percent),

Greece (2 .2 percent), Sweden (2 percent), and Switzerland (1.8 percent).

Apparently, Greece is no more a favorite destination for Egyptians as before. Current

Egyptian migration streams nowadays target Italy and France (See Table 4.1).

Table 4.1 Countries of Destination for Return Migrants

Country Frequency Percent Italy 300 61.2 France 77 15.7 Germany 19 3.9 United Kingdom 15 3.1 Netherlands 13 2.7 Greece 11 2.2 Sweden 10 2.0 Switzerland 9 1.8 Other 36 7.3 Total 490 100.0

28

4.2 Reasons for Migration to Europe

Ever migrant youth we asked about reasons behind their migration decision; reasons

are classified under two categories; reasons related to origin (push factors), and

reasons related to destination (pull factors). With respect to push factors, they follow

the same pattern as youth who intend to migrate where the three main reasons stated

by a significant number of respondents are:

• Income in Egypt is lower than in Europe (stated by 57.2 percent of

respondents)

• Bad living conditions in Egypt (stated by 54.9 percent of respondents)

• No job opportunities available in Egypt (stated by 52.4 percent of

respondents)

The findings indicate the important of economic factors in shaping migration

decision and implementation.

With respect to pull factors, the main three reasons that shape migration decision to

Europe are as follows:

• I have a job offer there (stated by 28.1 percent of respondents)

• I have relatives there (stated by 27.5 percent of respondents)

• I have friends there (stated by 19 percent of respondents)

It is clear that the pull factors for ever migrants are the same as the pull factors for

those who intend to migrate to Europe.

29

Table 4.2 Reasons for Migration to Europe

Reason Frequency Percent

Reason for Migration Related to Origin – Push Factors Income in Egypt is lower than in Europe 250 57.2Bad living conditions in Egypt 240 54.9No job opportunities available in Egypt 229 52.4Help my family 62 14.2To improve my knowledge 18 4.1Family reunification 9 2.1Escape from family pressures and troubles 5 1.1Other 11 2.5 Reason for Migration Related to Destination – Pull Factors I have a job offer there 123 28.1I have relatives there 120 27.5I have friends there 83 19.0I want to see Europe 50 11.4I Want to live in Europe 33 7.6Other 15 3.4

Total 437 100.0

4.3 Source of information regarding country of destination before migration Friend and relatives are the main source of migration regarding the desired country

of destination. Almost 95 percent of the respondents relied on their relatives and

friends on sketching a hypothetical picture on conditions prevail in the country of

destination before migration. The role of other sources of information is negligible.

This pattern is similar to the non-migrants who intend to migrate. The results

confirm the family/friend nature of current Egyptian migration streams to Europe.

30

Table 4.3 Source of information regarding country of destination before migration

Source Frequency Percent

Friends/Relatives 459 94.3General readings 9 1.8Media 4 0.8Internet 3 0.6Embassies 3 0.6Egyptian Authorities 2 0.4Other 7 1.4Total 487 100.0

4.4 Persons who helped youth migrate to Europe

Who are the persons who help youth

migrate to Europe? On whom youth rely

on their endeavors to the unknown? Do

they rely only on friends and relatives?

Do they rely on migration brokers? The

results of the survey indicate that

relatives (in Europe and Egypt), along

with migration brokers are the main key players in paving the way for those who

wish to cross the Mediterranean Sea to the northern costs. Relatives in Europe and

Egypt helped 47.4 percent of ever migrants to cross the Mediterranean while

migration brokers helped 22.5 percent of them.

Youth Said

“It is very easy to go to Libya, to meet

the Libyan broker, and to depart from

the Libyan coast by boat, but nothing

after this point is guaranteed ”

31

Table 4.4 Persons who helped youth migrate to Europe

Source Frequency Percent

Relatives in Europe 121 24.7Relatives in Egypt 111 22.7Migration brokers 110 22.5Egyptian friends in Europe 49 10.0Friends in Egypt 28 5.7No Body 27 5.5Travel agency 12 2.5European Friends in Europe 10 2.0Other 21 4.3Total 489 100.0

4.5 Migration Dynamics

In the context of this study, migration dynamics are defined as factors and

procedures associated with the movement of youth from origin to destination and

their migration experience. These factors include payment of money to migrate,

amount of money paid to facilitate migration, documents required for migration, and

other migration-related experiences.

Cost of movement

Youth who experienced migration to Europe were asked about the monetary cost of

their movement. By cost here, we mean any expenses that were paid to facilitate

migration, not the cost of transportation or ordinary visa fees (if they migrated

legally). About 80 percent of the respondents who experienced migration indicated

that they paid money to migrate (78.8 percent); the average amount of money was

15, 890 L.E. It rages from less than 5,000 L.E (13.7 percent of migrants) to 50,000

L.E or more (only 1.6 percent of migrants) with more than 70 percent of migrants

paid between 5,000 and 40,000 L.E to migrate to Europe.

32

The focus group discussions with the

return migrants indicated two groups of

migrants with two patterns of financial

expenses; the first group follows the

Egypt-Libya-Italy route via migration

brokers who facilitate their migration in

boats through the Mediterranean, and the

second group migrates by air through a touristic Schengen visa. The sea route cost is

cheap; it amounts for an average of 15,000 L.E, while the air route cost amounts for

an average of 50,000 L.E and in many cases amounts for 70,000 L.E. So that it is

clear that the cost of migration increases as the probability of success increases and

the hazards decrease.

Youth Said

“I’m ready to pay up to 70,000 pounds

to help me get into any European

country, legally or illegally, I don’t

care”

The sea route is the choice of the poor; those who can not afford the cost of a

Schengen visa (true or falsified). However, the hazards associated with the sea route

do not prevent youth from trying this route. It is important here to indicate that the

cost of migration is for facilitating entry to the destination countries; they do not

include any other services such as facilitating entry into the labor market. Migrants

who take any of the routes know where to go when they enter country of destination.

They go directly to their friend and relatives who help them settle and introduce

them to the labor market.

Work contracts and visa

Most of those who migrate to Europe do not have work contracts. Only 6.9 percent

of those who migrate to Europe have work permit before migration. Those who have

had official visa before migration comprise 57.4 percent and more than 40 percent

migrate without visa. More than 60 percent of those who migrated without visa tried

to get visa before migration but they failed. Many interviewees indicated that having

just a touristic visa is almost impossible, so that they don’t think of a work permit

33

and they believe that they will not be eligible to apply since most of them did not

have a work contract beforehand.

Voluntary versus forced return

About 80 percent of interviewees

indicated that they returned voluntary to

Egypt either to spend some time with

relatives before return to Europe to

resume work or to stay permanently in

Egypt after fulfilling monetary and social

achievements. More than 20 percent of

migrants were deported and sent back to Egypt because they over due their visa or

their attempt to enter Europe illegally. Only 11.2 percent of returnees (voluntarily or

forced) expressed their intention to go back to Europe.

Youth Said

“We help each other, should you arrive

in France you will find another village,

the same as our village and have people

from all families.”

Evaluation of migration experience

Inspite of the fact that 70 percent of migrants were not working in their

specialization in Europe, more than three-fourth of the migrants evaluated their

migratory experience positively; 33.1 percent regarded their migration experience as

a “very good” experience while 44.7 percent regarded it as a “good” experience.

Only 22.2 percent regarded their migration experience as “bad’ or “very bad”. In

their evaluation, youth reflected in their work and stay in Europe as well as the

returns of migration (remittances and work opportunities).

34

Table 4.5 Migration Dynamics

Dimension Frequency Percent Paid money to migrate? Yes 387 78.8No 104 21.2Total 491 100.0 Amount of money paid to migrate LT 5000 53 13.75000 - 67 17.410000 - 141 36.520000 - 71 18.430000 - 36 9.340000 - 12 3.150000 + 6 1.6Total 386 100.0Mean 15,890 Have work contract before migration? Yes 33 6.9No 446 93.1Total 479 100.0 Have an official visa before migration? Yes 282 57.4No 209 42.6Total 491 100.0 Tried to get an official visa? Yes 126 60.6No 82 39.4Total 208 100.0 Returned voluntary or forced? Voluntarily 387 78.8Forced to return 104 21.2Total 491 100.0

35

Table 4.5 Cont’d Migration Dynamics

Dimension Frequency Percent Intend to go back to the country? Yes 408 83.4No 55 11.2Do not know 26 5.3Total 489 100.0 Work on your specialization? Yes 123 30.0No 287 70.0Total 410 100.0 Evaluate your migration Very good 162 33.1Good 219 44.7Bad 49 10.0Very bad 60 12.2Total 490 100.0

36

5. EXPOSURE TO MASS MEDIA

Exposure to media or what is sometimes called media consumption behavior is an

important aspect in the context of this survey. Mass media are important sources of

information on migration. Potential migrants build a hypothetical image about

country of destination through mass media. In addition, media can be utilizing to

communicate messages on appropriate means of migration and help in combating

illegal migration and smuggling. The survey questionnaire includes a separate

section on youth’s exposure to mass media. The results are presented below by type

of media.

5.1 Newspapers

With respect to reading newspapers, about one-third of the respondents read

newspapers daily, 29.6 percent read newspapers at least once a week, 7.4 percent

read newspapers less than once a week, while 29.4 percent of the respondents

indicated that they do not read newspapers at all. What are the newspapers youth

read? The most frequently prevailing newspapers are Al-Ahram and Al-Akhbar; they

are read by almost two-third of the respondents (32.8 and 31.8 percent respectively).

Al-Gomhoriya daily newspaper ranked third with 12.5 percent. The three morning

daily governmental newspapers comprise 77.1 percent of the newspapers read by

respondents.

Table 5.1 Frequency of Reading Newspapers, Listening to Radio, and Watching TV

Frequency Newspapers Radio TV

Almost every day 33.7 43.0 82.1 At least once a week 29.6 16.0 8.6 Less than once a week 7.4 4.1 2.3 Not at all 29.4 36.9 7.0 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

37

Table 5.2 Newspapers youth read

Dimension Frequency Percent

Al-Ahram 358 32.8 Al-Akhbar 347 31.8 Al-Gomhoriya 136 12.5 Al-Massaa 83 7.6 Al-Ahram Al-Massa’i 29 2.7 Akhbar Al-Riadah 20 1.8 Akhbar Al-Hawadeth 16 1.5 Al-Nabaa 10 0.9 Al-Esbooa 9 0.8 Al-Ahram Alriady 3 0.3 Other 80 7.3

Total 1,091 100.0

5.2 Radio

Only 63.1 percent of the respondents indicated that they listen to radio. Those who

listen to radio regularly comprise 43 percent of respondents. Three radio stations are

utilized by almost 80 percent of those who listen to radio; Al-Qur’an Al-Kareem

(Holy Qur’an) with 42.3 percent, FM Songs (23.9 percent), and Al-Shark Al-Awsat

(13.5 percent). It is clear from the results that there are two categories of radio users;

those who utilize the radio just to listen to the holy Qur’an (42.3 percent) and those

who utilize it to listen to songs and light programs and varsities (37.4 percent).

Among other radio stations utilized by youth come El-Shabab wel-Ryiadha, Al-

Bernameg Al-Aam, and many other stations.

38

Table 5.3 Radio Stations utilized by youth

Dimension Frequency PercentAl-Qur’an Al-Kareem 414 42.3FM Songs / Songs 234 23.9Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 132 13.5El-Shabab wel-Ryiadha 61 6.2Al-Bernameg Al-Aam 35 3.6Sawt Al-Arab 30 3.1Radio Sawa 18 1.8BBC 14 1.4Al-Qaherah Al-Kobra 8 .8Any station 6 .6Other 27 2.8Total 979 100.0

5.3 Television

The results of the field survey indicate that TV is the most popular media source of

information in Egypt. Respondents who watch the TV almost every day comprise

82.1 percent, while those who do not watch the TV at all comprise only 7 percent of

respondents. Channel 1 of the Egyptian Radio and TV Union is the most frequently

watched TV channel where it is watched by more than one-third of respondents who

watch TV. Al-Jazeera Satellite news channel ranked second but with only 11.6

percent of respondents, and then comes Rotana and ART satellite channels. Other

channels watched by respondents include Dream, Egyptian Satellite Channel, Nile

Sport, Iqraa, Channel 2, Nile Drama, Nile News, Al-Arabiya, and local (regional)

channels.

39

Table 5.4 TV Channels watched by youth

Dimension Frequency PercentChannel 1 541 37.5Al-Jazeera 167 11.6Rotana / Rotana Cinema 127 8.8ART 117 8.1Dream 69 4.8ESC 49 3.4Nile Sport 36 2.5Iqraa 34 2.4Channel 2 32 2.2Nile Drama 16 1.1Nile News 9 0.6Al-Arabiya 6 0.4Channel 3 3 0.2Any Channel 66 4.6Other 169 11.7Total 1,441 100.0

5.4 Internet

Internet is still not widely used as a source of information since less than 30 percent

(29.3 percent) of the respondents indicated that they have an access to the internet.

Meetings with youth who use the internet utilize it as an entertainment tool rather

than a communication tool.

40

6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The study of “Attitudes of Egyptian Youth Towards Migration to Europe” was

carried out as part of the Information Dissemination on Migration Project (IDOM) as

the base of the design and implementation of media campaign to disseminate

information that help increase awareness about irregular migration among potential

migrants. In addition, the results identified push factors in the country that affect

youth’s migration decisions. The study was carried out as the first major activity of

IDOM project. It targeted young men aged 18-40 years old in eight governorates

(Cairo, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Dakaqliya, Sharqiya, Fayoum, Menoufiya, and

Luxor). Some 1,552 completed questionnaires were successfully completed and

analyzed. In addition, six focus groups were conducted to collect qualitative data to

supplement quantitative data.

The quantitative survey was carried out in November 2005 using a standard

questionnaire that cover aspects of migration intentions, migration experiences,

awareness of illegal migration, reasons of migration, in addition to exposure to mass

media. Data on exposure to mass media and media consumption behavior are

important in the design of media campaign that will follow as a major activity of the

project in the coming few months. A professional team was recruited and trained to

collect data and interview survey respondents. Data processing and analysis was

carried out at the Emigration Sector of the Ministry of Manpower and Emigration

between December 2005 and February 2006.

Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions. Six focus group

discussions were carried out in four Egyptian governorates (Menoufiya, Gharbiya,

Sharqiya, and Fayoum). FGDs took place between 25 January and 8 February 2006.

Cassette tapes of the FGDs were transcribed, analyzed, and integrated in the analysis

that was carried out through this report.

41

This Chapter presents the conclusions of the analysis carried out in this study and

suggests some recommendations for the media campaign in specific and migration

policy in general.

6.1 Conclusions

Instead of summarizing the findings of each chapter and then linking summaries to

the overall objectives of the survey and the project, conclusions are directly linked to

the objectives of the survey, and elaborated on under the two main objectives in the

text below.

Identification of the push factors in the country (Reasons of Migration)

Identification of the push factors that affect migration decisions of Egyptian youth is

one of the two main objectives of this study. Understanding push factors helps in

setting appropriate responses to decrease the flow of irregular migration.

The results indicate that push factors in the country of origin are overwhelmingly

economic. Egyptian youth regard migration – legal or illegal – as a possible way to

escape poverty and unemployment. With respect to the reason for migration, the

study indicates that the main reasons behind migration are the low wages and salaries

in Egypt compared to Europe, bad living conditions, and the lack of job opportunities

in Egypt, especially among new graduates. It is worse mentioning that at the time of

the fieldwork about 40 percent of the interviewees were not engaged in any work.

This is not a precise measure of unemployment but it reflects the degree of unrest

among youth for not being engaged in any productive work. Many of those youth are

university graduates who failed to find any job opportunity for years after

graduation.

The choice of destination country in Europe is not a free choice; it is related to the

migration networks. Migration networks and linkages between origin and destination

42

determine the choice of country of destination in Europe. Migration networks that

stimulate migration flows between Egypt and Europe are completely different from

migration networks between Egypt and Arab Gulf countries. Migration of Egyptian

youth to Europe is managed and activated by family kinship and ties while migration

of Egyptians to Arab Gulf countries are managed by a set of regulations, certified

migration brokers, and many other conditions. Migration to Europe is concentrated

in a set of villages in specific governorates; each village has its own destination. The

major two destinations are Italy and France. So that one may confidently say that

migration to these two destinations are operated in a close market where new

entrants come from the same village or group of adjacent villages. For example, a

well-known village in Fayoum governorate specializes in sending migrants to Italy

while another well-known village in Gharbiya governorate specializes in sending

migrants to France.

Some villages in the Delta shifted their migration directions from the Arab Gulf

countries to Italy. Youth in this village claim that migration to the Arab Gulf

countries is not profitable like before and working for one year in Italy is better than

working ten years in the Gulf. The population of migrants to Italy in this village is

increasing and youth compete to find a way to migrate, legally or illegally.

Fieldwork in this village indicated that there are many young males who attempted to

migrate to Italy through Libya more than once.

An important factor that plays a major role in stimulating migration streams to

Europe is the wealth of successful migrants and return migrants. Remittances of

Egyptian migrants who work in European countries are important factors that

stimulate a continuous stream of migration. Potential migrants claim that ordinary

workers can save an average amount of 6,000 Euro per annum while working abroad

(about 40,000 L.E). Potential migrants claim that the savings of one-year work in

Europe is more than a lifetime salary in Egypt.

43

Building luxurious houses in rural Egypt, marriages, and consumerism behavior of

returnees is strong factor that attract new young men to migrate. When waiting the

risk of illegal migration against the expected returns, youth prefer to take the risk for

an assumed better life.

“Egyptians have the reputation of preferring their own soil. Few ever leave except to

study or travel; and they always return … Egyptians do not emigrate” (Cleland

1936: 36, 52); after 70 years of Cleland’s famous conclusion on Egyptians’

migration behavior, his conclusions on return are is still valid. The results of the

study indicate that the vast majority of youth who want to migrate to Europe intend

to return to Egypt after a temporary stay in the countries of destination. These

findings indicate that the Egyptian migration to Europe is a re-production of the

Egyptian migration pattern to the Arab Gulf countries, where young males migrate to

achieve specific financial goals and then they return to Egypt.

Egyptian migration to Europe is different from other migration streams, especially

the Maghreb countries and Sub-Saharan African countries. Egyptian migration to

Europe is mainly male-dominated and temporary migration in general, while

Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa migration streams are dominated by males and

females who intend to stay in the destination countries in general. All it is important

to note that contemporary Egyptian migration streams to Europe are different from

the Egyptian migration streams to the West in the 1960s and early 1970s. The

economic pressures and transition to socialism at that time led many Egyptians to

migrate to the West. Most of Egyptian migrants at that time were highly educated

and economically established. Contemporary migrants to the West (to Europe) are

less educated males who suffer poverty and unemployment.

44

Awareness about irregular migration and migrants smuggling from Egypt Regarding youth’s awareness of illegal/irregular migration and their consequences,

the results of this study indicated that most of the interviewees are aware of the

negative effects of this phenomenon. Youth also know the consequences of illegal

migration such as arrest in the migration country, expulsion, arrest in the origin

country, fines, as well as hazards in the journey between origin and destination.

Many of youth we interviewed in the focus group discussions experience one or

more kinds of these consequences. We interviewed youth who were arrested in

Europe and Libya, youth who were about to die in the Mediterranean sea, youth who

were retuned to Egypt after the failure of their attempt to migrate, and youth who

were subject to humiliating experiences in their attempt to get to the "European

Eldorado". Graduates with secondary technical certificate and university express

intense frustration at their inability to find work suited to their level of education.

Youth express a high degree of depression and hopeless regarding their current

conditions in Egypt given their unemployment status and poverty. These conditions

made them prefer taking the risk of illegal migration – including the probability of

dying – rather than staying in Egypt without any source of income.

Youth indicated a high degree of awareness of legal migration procedures such as

having a valid travel document, visa, work permit, and so on, but they believe that

the legal migration route is almost impossible. They believe that they can not comply

with the regulation of legal migration to Europe. Many of those who took the short

cut to Europe through Libya tried to get visas to Europe but they failed. They claim

that this is a valid justification of their illegal attempt to migrate to Europe. Young

men in the villages with migrants in Europe witness families who have a relative in

Italy becoming richer while their own family situation remains the same with little

prospect of improvement. This comparison pushes thousands of Egyptian youth to

regard migration as the sole alternative to improve their conditions.

45

With respect to migration smuggling and the role of migration brokers, the focus

group discussions indicated that the Libyan route of migration is the cheapest and the

frequently used route. Due to the open borders between Egypt and Libya, Egyptians

do not need a visa to get into Libya; they do not even need a valid passport.

Egyptians can enter Libya using their Egyptian national identification card only.

Daily buses between Cairo and Tripoli are there for an average of LE 100 (about

$17). Mini vans and microbuses from home to home are available from some

villages in rural Egypt to specific destinations in Libya, where all passengers belong

to one village and in many cases one family.

Migration brokers in Libya have their own agents and mediators in the Egyptian

villages. Agents and mediators prepare youth and direct them to specific places in

Libya where they are received by the Libyan brokers who keeps them in a big house

(called hawsh) nearby the coast. In the hawsh, Egyptian youth meet people from

other nationalities (mainly Sub-Saharan African citizens). Their stay in this hawsh

may extend to three months until the preparation of the boat. The date and time of

departure is set by the brokers. Interviews with youth indicated that the main

principal moments at which migrants are at risk of arrest and detention is on when

trying to leave by boat to Italy. Some migrants were arrested when the Libyan police

attack them at hawsh while waiting for the boat to be prepared.

The boat adventure is the most dangerous step towards the European coasts. The

boat is manufactured for one-way journey. In order to increase their revenues,

brokers always overload their boats. Usually, the driver of the boat is one of the

migrants with no past experience in driving boats. The driver is given a compass and

told a general direction to follow. As a result, many boats do not go far, often only

ending up on the Tunisian coast or drifting in the sea until they are rescued by the

Italian, Tunisian or Libyan authorities, depending on where they are found. Many of

boats sink before reaching the European coasts. Egyptian youth who went through

these experiences are completely aware of the hazards associated with this route to

46

the European coast. At the same time, many of those who experienced these hazards

expressed their willingness to take the risk again.

The role of formal/governmental media as a source of information on migration is

almost negligible. The vast majority of youth indicated that they do not depend on

formal/governmental sources. The main source of information about migration is

relatives and friends. The very limited role of governmental agencies, journalism,

media, and embassies makes it easy for rumors and falsified information on

migration to widespread. Due to the way information about migration is

disseminated, it is not a surprise to notice that migration streams to Europe are

originated in a network of villages in The Nile Delta and Upper Egypt where family

members and relatives help each other in sustaining migration flows and lubricate

migration through legal and illegal means. The results also indicated the importance

of migration brokers in the process of illegal migration.

6.2 Some Policy Recommendations

Building on the experiences of survey population presented in this report, some

policy recommendations may emerge. The recommendations may be grouped under

two main groups; specific recommendations for the design and implementation of

the information dissemination campaign, as well as general recommendations

regarding illegal migration and unemployment.

Recommendations for the design of information dissemination campaign

Given the fact that television is the most popular media source of information

utilized by youth, television should be the main mass media tool for information

dissemination on migration. Radio stations and newspapers are not highly utilized by

youth, but they also should be utilized in the information dissemination campaign to

widespread the message we wish to convey to youth regarding migration.

47

Since illegal migration is concentrated in well-known villages in Upper Egypt and

the Delta, face-to-face communications with youth in their natural gatherings (youth

centers, clubs, and coffee shops) should be utilized through advocacy campaigns.

Natural leaders (the Mayors, Imams of mosques), local politicians at the level of the

governorate and village, return migrants who suffer the consequences of illegal

migration should be involved in advocacy campaign in order to affect youth’s

choices and to reduce the volume of illegal migration. It is important to involve local

people can affect the attitudes of youth in these direct meetings, symposia, and other

face-to-face activities. Changing attitudes is the first step towards changing practices.

Multimedia tools should be utilized in these local meetings to attract audience and to

show the hazards of illegal migration and provide correct information on legal

migration. Video tapes, PowerPoint presentations, pamphlets, and handouts should

focus on the experiences of illegal migrants and hazards they face. Videotaped

materials can be presented before a general discussion with youth on migration. Non

governmental organizations should be involved in these local activities. There are

hundreds of NGOs allover Egypt who are capable to run advocacy campaigns at the

level of the governorates with minimal costs. NGOs are aware of their communities

and they can get into this arena to ensure smooth implementation of advocacy plans.

It is necessary to recommend pilot projects at the level of the governorate in order to

reach to potential migrants and to contact youth in these communities directly in a

way that affects their migration choices, especially in governorates with significant

volume of migrants in Europe. These pilot projects should be implemented by local

NGOs since they know their communities and they can determine the appropriate

way of approaching youth.

48

Policy recommendations regarding illegal migration and unemployment

Since low income and unemployment are the main push factors that affect migration,

and in order to decrease unemployment rates, the government should create new job

opportunities in the local market through attracting foreign direct investment and the

private sector, which goes hand in hand with emigration-oriented policy and opening

new markets for Egyptian labor force. This should be associated with training

Egyptian youth who want to migrate in cooperation with countries of destination.

Regional integration is an important aspect that contributes to more balanced

relationships between countries in the region. Bilateral relations between Egypt and

other European countries are important. The quota for Egyptian migrants should be

negotiated and increased. Job matching mechanisms such as IMIS and IMIS+ should

be extended to include other European countries such as France and Spain.

49

REFERENCES

Baldwin-Edwards, M. (2005) Migration in the Middle East and Mediterranean: a

Regional Study prepared for the Global Commission on International Migration,

Mediterranean Migration Observatory.

Hamood, S. (2006) African Transit Migration through Libya to Europe: The Human

Cost, Forced Migration and Refugee Studies Program, American University in

Cairo.

International Organization for Migration (2005) World Migration 2005: Costs and

Benefits of International Migration, IOM, Geneva

International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Ministry of Manpower and

Emigration (2003) Contemporary Egyptian Migration 2003, Cairo.

Zohry, A. (2005) Migration Without Borders: North Africa as a Reserve of Cheap Labour

for Europe, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO), Paris.

50

APPENDIX A: SURVEY STAFF

National IDOM Project Director

Mrs. Magda Abdel-Rahman

International IDOM Project Director Mr. Bruno Botta

Principal Investigator

Dr. Ayman Zohry

Researchers Wael Farrag

Sherif El-Halawany

IDOM Project Secretary Nahla Taha

General Fieldwork coordinator

Salah Abdelatty

Fieldwork Supervisors Emil Ramzy

Essam Fathalla Hossam El-Din Mohamed

Saeed Kassem

Fieldwork Interviewers Adley Mohamed

Ashrf Edward Hamdy Esmail Hossain Said Ibrahim Gabr

Khaled Mohamed Mohamed Said Mohamed Salah

Okeil Kamel Raaft Rgaey

Saleh Abdel azim Samir El-Dahshan

Sherif El-Halawany Wael Farrag Wael Sami

Yasser Ibrahim

Office editing and coding

Wael Farrag Sherif El-Halawany

Amina Abd-El Salam Eman Khmees Mona Fahmy Okeil Kamel

Sahar El-Badry Salwa Mohamed

Data entry

Salwa Raafat

Focus Group Team Saeed Kassem

Sherif El-Halawany Wael Farrag

Mohamed Abdel-Sadek Mohamed Huda Kamal El-Sadek

Inas Abdalla Sayed

Translation services Ghada Said Marwa Atta

Tarek Esmail

Typing Zakria Radwan

Zaki El-Tigi

APPENDIX B: FIELDWORK SITES

Region Governorate District Town/Village

Boulak Boulak Aboul-Ela Cairo

Madeenet Nasr Madeenet Nasr Bab Sharki Ibrahimia El-Mansheiya El-Mansheiya

Urban Governorates

Alexandria

El-Raml Bakous Tanta Seberbay

Meet Badr Halawa Meet Habeeb Elsharkyia Mahallet Ziad

Gharbyia

Samannoud

Bana Abu Seer Zagazeeg City Tahlet Bardeen Meet Abu Hamada Ezbet El-Saraya

Zagazeeg

Nashwa

Sharkyia

Mina El-Qamh Meet Suhail El-Mansoura Telbana El-Senbellaween El-Makhzan Talkha Meet Elkorama

Dakahlyia

Meet Ghamr Meet Nagui Shebein Elkom City Menshat Bakhati Bakhati El-Batanoun

Shebein Elkom

Meet Khaqaan

Lower Egypt

Menoufyia

Tala Zennara Fayoum Fayoum City

Fayoum Ettsa Tatoun (7000 in Milan) Luxor Luxur City

Eldabeiya

Upper Egypt

Luxor El-Baiyadiya

Ettoud

APPENDIX C: QUESTIONNAIRE

International Organization for Migration

Ministry of Manpower and Emigration

Emigration Sector

Field Questionnaire on

Attitudes of Egyptian Youth Towards Migration

Data for this survey are confidential and will be used only for scientific

research purposes and official use

1

Place of interview: Governorate: Urban/Rural Serial Number Interviewer: ______________________ Supervisor: _______________________ Name of respondent: ______________________ Date: / / 2005 Village/City: __________

SECTION I: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

101 How old are you now? years

102 What is your current marital status? 1. Single 2. Engaged 3. Married 4. Divorced 5. Widowed

103 What is the highest level of schooling which you successfully completed?

1. None 2. Primary 3. Preparatory 4. Secondary (General) 5. Secondary (Tech.) 6. University

106 106 106 106

104 Can you read and understand a letter or a newspaper?

1. Yes 2. No

105 Can you write a letter? 1. Yes 2. No

106 Are you currently employed? 1. Yes 2. No

109

107 What is your monthly income (approximately)? LE

108 Does your income fulfill your needs? 1. Yes 2. No

109 Do you have an occupation (profession)? 1. Yes 2. No

111

110 What is your occupation (profession)? ----------------------------

111 What is your total family size?

2

SECTION II: MIGRATION INTENTIONS Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

201 Have you ever traveled to any European country for work?

1. Yes 2. No

301

202 Do you intend to travel to any European country for work?

1. Yes 2. No

401

203 To which country in Europe you want to migrate? ---------------------------------

204 Why do you want to migrate to Europe? (RECORD ALL MENTIONED SPONTANEOUSLY)

Origin-related reasons: 1. No job opportunities available

in Egypt 2. Income in Egypt is lower than

in Europe 3. Bad living conditions in Egypt 4. Escape from family pressures

and troubles 5. Help my family 6. Family reunification 7. To improve my

knowledge 8. Other: (specify) ----------------------------- Destination-related reasons: 1. I want to see Europe 2. I Want to live in Europe 3. I have relatives there 4. I have friends there 5. I have a job offer there 6. I could study there 7. Other: (specify) -----------------------------

205 What is your source of information about country of destination? (CIRCLE ONLY ONE RESPONSE)

1. Friends / Relatives 2. Internet 3. Egyptian Authorities 4. General readings 5. Media (TV, Radio, Newspapers 6. Embassies 7. Other sources (specify):

---------------------------------

206 Do you have any relatives or friends who work in Europe now?

1. Yes 2. No

208

207 In which country? ---------------------------------

208 In case of traveling abroad, do you intend to come back after a specified period?

1. Yes 2. No 3. It depends/ not sure

3

Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

209 Do you have a valid passport? 1. Yes 2. No

211

210 Do you intend to have a passport in the near future?

1. Yes 2. No

211 Which country in Europe you think is the easiest to migrate to? (Regular and Irregular).

----------------------------------

212 Has it been previously proposed to you to migrate to Europe?

1. Yes 2. No

215

213 To which country? ----------------------------------

214 What kind of proposal you received?

1. a formal work contract 2. a promise from a friend or

relative to find work there 3. Other (Specify): ----------------------------------

215 In case of migrating to Europe, do you expect to receive help from someone to migrate to Europe?

1. Yes 2. No

217

216 Who do you expect to help you? (CIRCLE ONLY ONE RESPONSE)

1. Relatives in Europe 2. Relatives in Egypt 3. Egyptian friends in

Europe 4. Friends in Egypt 5. Migration brokers 6. Other (specify) -------------------------------

217 In general, how much money do you think is necessary to migrate? LE

218 In case of migrating to Europe, can you accept to work in jobs that are differ from your current specialization or education?

1. Yes 2. No

219 In which of these fields can you work abroad? (READ ALL BUT CIRCLE ONLY ONE RESPONSE)

1. Agriculture 2. Industry 3. Independent work 4. Home services 5. Building and Constructions 6. Tourism and restaurants 7. Computer, internet, and IT-

related work 8. Other services 9. I don’t know 10. Other (specify):

--------------------------

220 Have you been asked money to migrate? 1. Yes 2. No

4

Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

221 Which documents do you need to go to Europe? (RECORD ALL MENTIONED SPONTAAINIOUSLY)

1. Passport 2. Visa 3. Work contract 4. Work permit 5. Other (Specify): ---------------------------------

222 Can you go to Europe without the needed documents and visas?

1. Yes 2. No

223 Do you think there are groups that facilitate irregular migration?

1. Yes 2. No

224 Do you hear about those who are deported from Europe because they migrate illegally?

1. Yes 2. No

225 Do you know the consequences of irregular migration? (Arrest in the migration country, expulsion, arrest in the origin country, fines).

1. Yes 2. No

226 Do you think it is easy to migrate legally to Europe?

1. Yes 2. No

401 401

5

SECTION III: INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION EXPERIENCE Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

301 To which country in Europe did you migrate? ---------------------------------

302 Why did you migrate to (country in q401)? (RECORD ALL MENTIONED SPONTANEOUSLY)

Origin-related reasons: 1. No job opportunities available

in Egypt 2. Income in Egypt is lower than in

Europe 3. Bad living conditions in Egypt 4. Escape from family pressures

and troubles 5. Help my family 6. Family reunification 7. To improve my knowledge 8. Other: (specify) ----------------------------- Destination-related reasons: 1. I wanted to see Europe 2. I Wanted to live in Europe 3. I have had relatives there 4. I have had friends there 5. I have had a job offer there 6. I could have studied there 7. Other: (specify) -----------------------------

303 Before going to this country, what was your main source of information about country of destination?

(CIRCLE ONLY ONE RESPONSE)

1. Friends / Relatives 2. Internet 3. Egyptian Authorities 4. General readings 5. Media (TV, Radio, Newspapers 6. Embassies 7. Other sources (specify):

---------------------------------

304 Did you find the country the same as what you were told before traveling?

1. Yes the same 2. No, better 3. No, worse

305 Who helped you go abroad? 1. Relatives in Europe 2. Relatives in Egypt 3. Egyptian friends in

Europe 4. Friends in Egypt 5. Migration brokers 6. Other (specify): -------------------------------

306 Did you have to pay to go abroad?

1. Yes 2. No

309

6

Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

307 How much did you pay? LE

308 From where did you get the needed money to migrate?

1. I saved 2. Friends 3. Relatives 4. Other (specify): ----------------------------------

309 Did you have a work contract before going to this country?

1. Yes 2. No

310 Did you enter this country with a valid visa?

1. Yes 2. No

312

311 Before going abroad, did you try to have a visa?

1.

312 Did you send money to Egypt while working abroad?

2. Yes 3. No

314

313 How did you send the money? ----------------------------------- 314 Did you return voluntarily or you were

forced to return? 1. Voluntarily 2. Forced to return

315 Do you intend to go back to this country? 1. Yes 2. No 3. Not sure

316 In Europe, were you working in jobs that are different from your current specialization or education?

1. Yes 2. No

317 In which of these fields you were working abroad?

(READ ALL POSIBLE RESPONSES)

1. Agriculture 2. Industry 3. Independent work 4. Home services 5. Building and Constructions 6. Tourism and restaurants 7. Computer, internet, and IT-

related work 8. Other services 9. I don’t know 10. Other (specify): --------------------------

318 How do you evaluate your migration experience to Europe?

1. Very good 2. Good 3. Bad 4. Very bad

501 501 501 501

7

SECTION IV: MIGRATION OF FRIENDS OR RELATIVES Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

401 Do you know any friend or relative who migrated to Europe in the last year?

1. Yes 2. No

601

402 In which country? ------------------------- I don’t remember

403 For how long he is there? M

Y

404 Did he migrate after getting the needed documents?

1. Yes 2. No 3. I don’t know

405 Did he have a job contract when he went there?

4. Yes 5. No 6. I do not know

406 Does he send money to his family? 7. Yes 8. No 9. I do not know

408 408

407 How does he send money? ---------------------------------

408 Do you maintain contact with him? 1. Yes 2. No

8

SECTION V: EXPOSURE TO MEDIA Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

501 Do you read a newspaper or magazine almost every day, at least once a week, less than once a week or not at all?

1. Almost every day 2. At least once a week 3. Less than once a week 4. Not at all

503 502 What are the names of newspapers or

magazines you read?

(RECORD A MAXIMUM OF THREE)

1. _________________ 2. _________________ 3. _________________

503 Do you listen to the radio almost every day, at least once a week, less than once a week or not at all? (Check only one answer)

1. Almost every day 2. At least once a week 3. Less than once a week 4. Not at all

508 504 What are the names of the main radio

channels you listen to?

(RECORD A MAXIMUM OF THREE)

1. _________________ 2. _________________ 3. _________________

505 When do you usually listen to radio? 1. Morning 2. Mid-day 3. Evening

506 What are the programs you usually listen to?

1. _________________ 2. _________________ 3. _________________

507 Are you always keen to listen to these programs usually?

1. Always 2. sometimes/it depends

508 Do you watch television almost every day, at least once a week, less than once a week or not at all?

4. Almost every day 5. At least once a week 6. Less than once a week 7. Not at all

509 What are the names of the main TV channels you watch?

(RECORD A MAXIMUM OF THREE)

1. _________________ 2. _________________ 3. _________________

510 When do you usually watch TV? 1. Morning 2. Mid-day 3. Evening

511 What are the programs you usually watch? 1. _________________ 2. _________________ 3. _________________

9

Serial Number

Questions Coding Categories Skip to

512 Are you always keen to watch these programs usually?

1. Always 2. sometimes/it depends

513 Do you have an access to the internet? 1. Yes 2. No

10

SECTION VI: PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Serial Number Questions

601 What are your main aims in life long-term? __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

(THANK THE INTERVIEWEE) REMARKS:

Write any positive or negative remarks

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________