The challenges of managing migration routes in Europe remain significant, particularly for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s administration, which has vowed to “smash the gangs” that facilitate illegal crossings. This commitment is juxtaposed with the grim realities of individuals like Hamid Khoshsiar, an Iranian refugee who undertook a perilous journey from Turkey to Bulgaria in search of safety. His experiences illustrate not just the determination of many who attempt this arduous trek, but also the complexities of the smuggling networks in place.
Khoshsiar’s journey began in 2019 from Igneada, Turkey, where he embarked on a treacherous path through dense forests toward the Bulgarian border. With little more than his personal belongings, he opted to cross through a river, an endeavor marked by intense adrenaline and fear for his safety. Eventually reaching Bulgaria after 20 harrowing hours, he credited the help of police for averting a near-death experience from dehydration. His story reflects a growing trend, wherein migrants, primarily from regions like Afghanistan, Turkey, and Syria, are increasingly traversing the Eastern Mediterranean route into Europe—an avenue that has witnessed a tripling of entries from 2021 to 2023.
The rising influx of migrants via this route has become a pressing concern for UK government officials. Starmer’s government is focusing heavily on law enforcement as a means to confront human trafficking. Plans have been laid out to treat smuggling gangs akin to terrorist organizations, establishing a new Border Security Command tasked with enhanced powers to tackle trafficking operations. Furthermore, the National Crime Agency (NCA) will deploy an additional 100 specialist investigators and expedite charging decisions in organized crime cases.
However, this ambitious strategy raises questions, particularly in light of the Conservative Party’s previous assurances to “stop the boats,” which did not translate into effective results, as evidenced by nearly 38,784 irregular arrivals detected by mid-2024. Therefore, skepticism remains regarding whether the Labour government can achieve different outcomes through policing and law enforcement.
A critical component of the current migration crisis lies within Turkey, which houses over three million Syrian refugees. The socio-economic climate has shifted unfavorably for refugees in Turkey, leading many to consider illegal departures via smugglers due to mounting hostility and fear of deportation. Reports indicate that smugglers actively market their services through social media, presenting enticing options for perilous journeys into Europe, often with misleadingly safe portrayals.
The challenge for the UK government lies not just in policing the borders but also in dismantling the entire smuggling network originating from Turkey. Efforts to curb this illegal trade include increased surveillance mechanisms and tightened customs regulations, particularly regarding the transportation of rubber inflatables commonly used for sea crossings. Despite the installation of fences and advanced camera systems by Bulgarian authorities, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable. Migrant testimonies indicate that smugglers possess detailed knowledge of the terrain, allowing them to find weaknesses in these fortified borders.
In examining the broader context, experts caution that a purely punitive approach may not suffice. Scholars like Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Turkey, argue that past narratives equating refugees with economic burdens have fomented xenophobia, complicating the situation further.
The observation that policing alone cannot completely eradicate smuggling operations rings true, drawing analogies between the trafficking of migrants and illicit drugs. As a vast network operates through informal relationships and social media communications, law enforcement struggles to keep pace with the fluidity of these operations. Notably, the coordination between different enforcement agencies, both domestic and international, will play a crucial role in managing these challenges.
As the Labour government grapples with its migration policies, it faces the reality that some individuals will always seek to cross borders regardless of the obstacles. The political rhetoric around “smashing the gangs” often oversimplifies the issue and overlooks the deeper socio-economic factors driving migration. Ultimately, the conversation must evolve beyond slogans to consider comprehensive and humane approaches to border control that address both the needs of migrants and the obligations of host countries.
