Regulation of Irregular Migration: The Link between African Union and European Union Frameworks
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Date
2016-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The southern border of Europe is a frequent gateway for irregular African migrants who cross
through the west and central, east Mediterranean migration routes. These life threatening
migration routes result in the loss of the lives of migrants. This study deals with the link and
implementations of the African Union, European Union and the Joint EU- Africa policy frame
works on the regulation of irregular migrations. The study employed qualitative research design.
Using purposive sampling, in-depth interview were conducted with concerned experts and
officials. The study also included data obtained from books, various legal documents (regional,
continental and international laws), journals, conventions, Declarations, researches, conference
data protocols, as well as other secondary data source. The data was analyzed using content and
comparative analysis methods. The study revealed that even if the EU and Africa advance the
promotion of joint frameworks in comprehensive manner, their policies have not achieved their
goal on addressing the root causes of irregular migration and the crisis on the loss of lives due
to the mismatch of priority, lack of shared commitment, coordination and other policy
implementation gaps. Most migrants from Africa are barely skilled persons while Europe wishes
to accept the skilled and the rich. Due to conflict of interest between the AU and EU migrants,
the root causes for migration are overlooked. If EU assists Africa on the promotion of
development and addressing the root causes of irregular migration, and African countries
undertake the necessary policy adjustments, the problems associated with irregular migration
will be better addressed in the future.
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Keywords
Irregular migration, AU, EU, policy framework