STOWAWAY PROBLEM AREAS

The first chart was produced using information that has been collected over the past ten years, and highlights the long-term trends in stowaway nationalities according to Robmarine data. The second chart however, is based on information gained since the beginning of 2000, and therefore represents this years high-risk areas. Beside each chart is a list of countries in order of risk with icons which highlight changes in stowaway numbers ( - increase, - decrease, - constant).

Long-Term

(1989 - 2004)

Tanzania Morocco Ghana Nigeria Liberia Algeria DR Congo Ethiopia Guinea Cameroon

Long term stowaway trends show little change and despite the continued movement of illegals from eastern Europe and Asia, Africa remains the largest source of stowaway activity. European Union attempts to stem flow of immigrants to the continent appear to be making only limited progress and instances of organised gangs helping people move illegally across borders are becoming even more numerous. Further problems in Africa and new dangers in Asia are contributing to this flood.

Short-Term

(January - May 2004)

Tanzania Ghana Nigeria Liberia Kenya Algeria Ethiopia Pakistan Guinea-Bissau Iraq

May saw an average amount of stowaway activity recorded. Perennial hotspot Nigeria climbed the table whilst long term threat Ethiopia entered the table for the first time this year.

In keeping with long term trends stowaway activity remains centred around the African continent, with the Middle East making up the rest of the top ten. So far this year illegal movement from Eastern Europe has been negligable, probably due to the recent expansion of the EU.