“Gate Closed”: The Situation in Libya during COVID-19

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions on movement, with the closure of borders and quarantines. But, did this stop the movement of people through Libya and across the Mediterranean Sea? The push and pull theory of migration suggests that more obstacles would reduce the number of people making this crossing. However, this research found the opposite. From April to October 2020, over 24,000 arrived in Malta and Italy from Libya and Tunisia. This is three times the number for the whole of 2019. Hence, it appears that such theories do not explain the reality of migration as it happens on the ground.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnslaved.
Subtitle of host publicationTrapped and Trafficked in Digital Black Holes: Human Trafficking Trajectories to Libya.
EditorsMirjam Van Reisen, Munyaradzi Mawere, Klara Smits, Morgane Wirtz
Place of PublicationBamenda
PublisherLangaa RPCIG
Chapter16
Pages715-758
Number of pages44
ISBN (Print)9789956553129
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

Publication series

NameConnected and Mobile: Migration and Human Trafficking in Africa
PublisherLangaa RPCIG
Volume5

Keywords

  • Human Trafficking
  • Refugees
  • Trajectories
  • COVID-19
  • Libya
  • Migration
  • Sudan
  • Borders
  • Tunesia

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