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The ‘European dream’

The majority of African migrants living overseas are in Europe, but many of them have to deal with numerous obstacles.

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As the closest European country to the African continent, Spain is on the frontline for illegal migration [GALLO/GETTY]
Published On 7 Aug 2011
Would be immigrants arrive at Los Cristianos port
Many Africans are risking their lives crossing the sea to Europe in overcrowded, small boats, often arranged by human smugglers [GALLO/GETTY]
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An African migrant is seen at the CETI, Short Stay Immigrant Center
Spain(***)s enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in northern Morocco are initial targets for many migrants: once detained they can be expelled, repatriated or sent to mainland Spain, where many are reported to be released, pending expulsion[GALLO/GETTY]
African migrants hold cups as they wait to have breakfast
In 2006 Spain received almost half of the EU(***)s total migrants [GALLO/GETTY]
African migrants are seen outside at the CETI, Short Stay Immigrant Center
Spain is struggling to accommodate immigrants from Africa and has asked the European Union for an increase in funds to secure its borders [GALLO/GETTY]
An african boy stands in his tented camp
France has a stricter approach to immigration than other European countries and has even offered legal immigrants financial incentives to go back to Africa [GALLO/GETTY]
An African migrant waits in line for his turn for a shower outside at the CETI
According to UNHCR Spain received the most asylum applications from Cuba, followed by Nigeria, Algeria, Guinea and Cameroon in 2010 [GALLO/GETTY]
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African migrants at the CETI, Short Stay Immigrant Center
Spain has tried to forge broad bilateral accords with African countries that would exchange repatriation for funding to help the returned migrants, but the initiative has been criticised [GALLO/GETTY]
Tent village where Parisian African immigrants are living
For many migrants in search for a better life in Europe, reality often turns out to be a disappointment [GALLO/GETTY]
African immigrants exercise at a detention centre
Many migrants live and work in detention centres for months, waiting for their residence permits [GALLO/GETTY]
African migrants pray at the CETI, Short Stay Immigrant Center
The EU has been criticised by groups such as the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) for the EU refugee policy being so strict that it creates a "fortress Europe" barricading itself against people in need [GALLO/GETTY]
Muslims African migrants pray during the Friday''s prayer at a Mosque near the CETI
Having migrated, many migrants are expected to send money home to the family they have left behind [GALLO/GETTY]
Migrants sell merchandise in the centre of Athens
The responsibility to earn money and send it back home is a heavy burden for African migrants in Europe struggling to find a job [GALLO/GETTY]