Algeria continues to be a destination of choice for Africans seeking to emigrate illegally to Europe, according to government figures released by the National Guard, October 17. Many citizens of Arab countries, principally Syria, also try to use the country as a launching pad for a better life.
There were 85 cases of illegal immigration, 17 for unauthorized residency and 1 case of no work permit and there have been a total of 500 arrests, including 36 Syrians. Another 164 are from Mali and Nigeria. There are also 29 arrests from Congo. Segegal and Cameroon feature prominently on the as well.
The districts with the largest amount of unauthorized residents are Tamanrasset and Illizi with 251 arrests, followed by Ghardaïa and Ouargla with 90 and 53 respectively. In the north, Oran experienced 25 arrests. In the west, there is a lot of illegal residency in Tlemcen, Aïn Defla, Aïn Témouchent, Saïda, Sidi Bel-Abbes, Mascara and Mostaganem.
The Algerian authorities noted that there are also 18 females among those arrested. Among the 500 arrested, 76 have been detained, 34 are on bail and 390 have been deported. (albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
