By:
Prof. Khaled El-Sayed Hassan
Former Economic and Demographic Consultant at UNDP-Kuwait
Vice-President of the Egyptian Society for Migration Studies
E-mail: kehassan@gmail.com
Introduction
North Africa’s strategic location as a corridor between Africa and Europe makes it particularly sensitive to the dynamics of international and irregular migration. Research indicates that flows of irregular migrants can pose significant challenges to national security by undermining state sovereignty and internal stability. These risks are amplified when migration intersects with organized crime networks and creates additional demands on economic and social resources (IOM, 2024; Boustati & Walsh, 2021). Understanding these implications is essential for developing effective policies that balance security needs with humanitarian concerns.
Conceptual Framework: Irregular Migration and National Security
Irregular migration refers to the movement of individuals across international borders without adherence to legal procedures governing entry, residence, or employment. This may include unauthorized border crossings or overstaying visas (IOM, 2024). National security, in this context, involves a state’s capacity to safeguard its political, social, and economic systems against internal and external threats. Irregular migration can compromise national security by facilitating organized criminal activities and straining border management systems, thereby reducing a state’s ability to maintain effective control (Ragab, 2024).
Implications of Irregular Migration for North African Security
1. Sovereignty and Border Management
States in North Africa often face challenges in maintaining effective border oversight, particularly in regions with political instability or weak institutional frameworks. Inadequate border control can transform certain areas into informal transit points for irregular migrants, potentially weakening state authority and increasing vulnerability to security threats (Boustati & Walsh, 2021). This highlights the need for comprehensive border management strategies that incorporate both monitoring and preventive measures.
2. Security Risks and Organized Crime
Irregular migration is frequently linked with transnational criminal networks, including human trafficking and smuggling operations. Such networks exacerbate domestic crime rates and complicate security management. Addressing these threats requires coordinated responses at both regional and international levels, including intelligence sharing, joint operations, and policy alignment (Ragab, 2024; Khalifa, 2021). These measures are critical to mitigating the security risks associated with unauthorized migration.
3. Socioeconomic Pressures
The influx of irregular migrants places additional burdens on public services, including healthcare, education, and housing, while also influencing informal labor markets. These pressures can generate social tensions and threaten internal stability, particularly in areas where administrative and economic capacity is limited (Khalifa, 2021). Furthermore, sustained migration flows can divert financial and institutional resources away from development priorities, emphasizing the need for integrated policies that address both security and socioeconomic dimensions.
4. Influence of European Migration Policies
The Euro-Maghreb experience demonstrates that policies focusing solely on migration control as a security issue are insufficient in the long term. Without addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and lack of employment opportunities, restrictive measures may only temporarily shift migration patterns. European migration governance has therefore had a significant impact on the security and stability of North African states, highlighting the need for coordinated, holistic strategies (European Migration Governance, 2025).
Legitimate International Migration: Opportunities and Challenges
Regular international migration can provide tangible developmental benefits, such as the transfer of skills and remittances that support local economies. However, limited legal pathways often compel individuals to resort to irregular channels, reproducing the security risks associated with unauthorized migration (IOM, 2024). Effective migration management must therefore combine legal migration opportunities with policies aimed at preventing irregular flows.
Conclusion
Irregular migration presents a complex set of challenges to the national security of North African countries. It affects border control, exacerbates organized crime, and increases socioeconomic pressures. While legitimate migration offers opportunities for development, ensuring security and stability requires balanced policies that integrate robust legal frameworks, regional and international cooperation, and measures to address underlying factors such as poverty, unemployment, and social marginalization. By adopting a comprehensive approach, North African states can better safeguard their sovereignty while promoting sustainable regional stability.
References
- International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2024). World migration report 2024. IOM. https://publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/pub2024-028-r-wmr2024_arabic.pdf
- Boustati, A., & Walsh, A. (2021). Insecurity and irregular migration in North Africa. Institute of Development Studies. https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/articles/report/Insecurity_and_Irregular_Migration_in_North_Africa/26428282
- Ragab, E. (2024). The security aspect of illegal migration policies in North Africa. PRISME Initiative. https://prismeinitiative.org/app/uploads/2024/05/ragab-security-illegal-migration-policies-north-africa.pdf
- Khalifa, N. (2021). Risks of irregular migration along the African coast and its security implications for Algeria. Journal of Academic Studies, 8(3), 461–482. https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/161912
- European Migration Governance. (2025). The rippling effects of European migration governance in Africa. SAGE Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01979183251359170