Information Gaps and Irregular Migration

Irregular migration from West Africa to Europe across the Sahara and Mediterranean is extremely risky for the migrants and a key policy concern. 

A cluster-randomized experiment with 3,702 young men from 391 settlements in the Gambia will test three different approaches designed to reduce risky, irregular migration. The first is to provide potential migrants with better information about the risks to be faced during the journey, including testimonials from those who have attempted the journey and statistics on the likelihood of experiencing negative events en route. The second intervention is to also provide a second safer migration alternative, by adding information and assistance for migration to neighboring Senegal. The third approach is to provide an alternative path at home, by providing vocational skill training in addition to the information about irregular migration. Key outcomes will be actions towards migrating the “backway”, migration to Senegal, and overall well-being.

Colaboradores: Tijan L. Bah, Catia Batista, Flore Gubert, David McKenzie

Financiación: European Commission, AMIF-2017-AG-INFO 824432