Abstract:
The study has provided a comprehensive analysis of the complex phenomenon of irregular migration in Benin City, Nigeria. Through a qualitative historic approach, this study has examined the push and pull factors driving irregular migration, the risks and challenges faced by irregular migrants, and the social, economic, and political effects of irregular migration on the city and its inhabitants.
The findings of this study shows that many of the irregular migrants from Benin City are people from poor families and also people who have the urge to get rich quick. It also shows that most of them come back with nothing finding it hard to reintegrate into the Society. Some of this irregular migrants are being deceived with promises of high paying job and a better life. During this process, they find out that it's not as rosy and they envisioned. Some of these irregular migrants get sick or weak and die due to exhaustion.Some of them who end up making the journey eventually turn to drug addicts, or get sold into slavery or prostitution and suffer or die from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
The findings of this study also show that even after these irregular migrants face the hardship there in states like Dubai, Libya, Guinea, etc, they find it hard to come back because they have to buy back their freedom because to get money becomes a problem. It is also seen in the study that some Non-Governmental Organizations like International Organization for Migration(IOM) as well as the European Union provides assistance in bringing them back to their country through the donation of funds and they also helped them in their reintegration process by giving out start-up capital and training for business.
