The Biggest Lies told by Smugglers
“You will be travelling on a big, safe boat to Europe.”
No, this is absolutely not true. Smugglers are criminals, who only care for money. In order to maximise their profit, they will put as many people as possible into the smallest and cheapest boat available. Many of the boats sink and lots of people drown every year trying to migrate to Europe illegally.
“Only the trip across the sea is dangerous. The rest of the route is safe.”
This is not true at all. All routes are extremely dangerous - whether crossing the Mediterranean Sea or reaching Europe by land: A lot of people die on migratory routes due to drowning, starvation, sickness, violence and abuse as well as lack of access to medicine and adequate shelter.
Smugglers are criminals. For them, all that matters are your money and their own benefit. They do not care at all about your safety or health.
“In Europe, it is easy to get a job and you will be rich in no time.”
No, this is absolutely not true. If you come to Europe illegally you have NO right to work. You will be financially dependent on others and at risk of being exploited and abused by criminals or people with bad intentions. When your claim for asylum is being processed, you have to live in shared accommodation and you are not allowed to just choose any job to earn your own money.
You do not receive money as a “welcome gift” although you are provided with food and accommodation.
Food, housing, transportation and leisure activities are very expensive in Europe.
back