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 - 2006)

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 - March 2006)

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

March proved to be an unusually quiet month for stowaway detections. Surprisingly, Turkey retained its position at the head of the threat chart whilst, on the whole, the character of the hotspot list did not change a great deal in March. Several countries shuffled their position up or down one place, but in general, current trends remain the same. Reports from our offices point to an increased stowaway threat from Nigerian ports, in particular Lagos. This is clearly reflected in Nigeria's high position in the table.