For undocumented migrants and refugees, accurate information is vital. Because of this, smartphones – mobile phones that perform many of the functions of a computer, like accessing the internet – have become an important tool. They give migrants access to applications such as Google maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. These can provide them with information from social media and close contacts. In a recent study, researchers investigated the role of smartphones in irregular migration. They wanted to know how they helped migrants reach their destination and what kind of information migrants accessed using them. Our focus was on sub-Saharan migrants arriving in Morocco, specifically in the city of Fès, on their way to Europe. We found that smartphones supported migration flows by providing migrants with access to online information before and during travel and when they arrived at their destination country. They affected their migration routes and choice of final destination. They also helped migrants to share information with each other. The smartphones were equally used by traffickers. They allowed them to contact prospective irregular migrants and provide them with information.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION
More Stories
Tunisian City Attracts a New Type of Tourist
DYK that the Green Point Lighthouse is the Oldest Operational Lighthouse in South Africa?
This Mauritian Resort is the Definition of Relaxation
Who Wouldn’t Happily Take a trip to Seychelles at Any Given Point in the Year?
Your July Destination is Sorted
A Gourmet Revival of Sierra Leone’s Bold Flavours
A Continental Visionary Design Indaba Emerging
How David Ochieng Uses Fashion to Positively Impact Kenyan Communities
Mbongeni Buthelezi: The South African Artist Turning Plastic into Portraits
What Tems’ Global Success Means for Women in African Music
Radisson Blu Hotel Is Officially Open In Durban
Hilton Closes Shop in Nairobi