'Pay or he dies': the deadly price of hope for Egypt's migrants
In a recent incident, families received demands for $4,000 from individuals located in Libya, threatening the life of an 18-year-old boy at sea. This situation involved Youssef Ibrahim, whose brother Hamdy had disappeared after engaging with smugglers…
In a recent incident, families received demands for $4,000 from individuals located in Libya, threatening the life of an 18-year-old boy at sea. This situation involved Youssef Ibrahim, whose brother Hamdy had disappeared after engaging with smugglers online. A relative confirmed that returning was not an option due to the threat of death.
Subsequently, it was discovered that a boat carrying these individuals capsized near Crete. This tragedy resulted in the deaths of 17 people, including six from a village in the Nile Delta. Fifteen individuals remain missing, among them Hamdy and Mohamed Gouda. Their families continue to seek information about their whereabouts.
The economic situation in Egypt has deteriorated, with the national currency losing two-thirds of its value since 2022. This has led to increased migration as young individuals perceive limited future prospects. For instance, Hamdy, a plumber, earned a mere $10 weekly.
In a recent incident, families received demands for $4,000 from individuals located in Libya, threatening the life of an 18-year-old boy at sea.
According to pharmacist Refaat Abdelsamad, the trend of irregular migration is prevalent among young men, beginning as early as age 14. In the previous year, over 17,000 Egyptians attempted to cross the Mediterranean, with 1,328 fatalities reported on this perilous route.
Analyst Timothy Kaldas expressed the need for people to feel secure in their homes to reduce the frequency of such migration attempts.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
