Irregular migration: a path to hope or a journey where one risks losing one’s life?
Sometimes I wonder: What drives a young man or woman to leave their country, their family, their friends, and all the places where they grew up, without even knowing for sure if they’ll ever see them again?
When we look at today’s young people, we see individuals with big dreams. Some want to help their families; others hope to continue their education, find a job, or simply have a better life than the one they currently have. But when they feel they cannot find the opportunities they are looking for in their own country, some begin to consider irregular migration.
When someone living abroad posts a beautiful photo of a city all lit up, wearing nice clothes or holding money, a young person who stayed behind in their home country might see it as the life they dream of. Yet behind that image sometimes lies a story that no one knows. There may be nights of tears, days spent going hungry, and moments when that person would have given anything to go home.
The saddest part is that this journey does not always end with a safe arrival at the destination. Some cross scorching deserts, others set out to sea in dangerous boats, while still others fall into the hands of people who take advantage of their vulnerability. Some lose their lives during the journey, others leave their families without news for a long time, and some finally reach their destination, only to face another life full of hardships.
Imagine a mother saying goodbye to her son, her heart filled with fear and prayers. She tells him, May Allah protect you and bring you back safe and sound, my son. But she doesn’t know when she’ll hear his voice again. Every day, she checks her phone, waiting for that one call to tell her he’s safe. Many families know this pain.
However, it would not be fair to condemn all young people who choose this path. Everyone has their own story and their own reasons. It is important to understand what drives them to undertake such a dangerous journey, but also to consider how to create opportunities so that they can build a future in their own country.
I believe everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, but a dream that doesn’t take safety into account can expose a person to great danger. A foreign country isn’t a place where everyone arrives and succeeds easily, just as staying in one’s own country doesn’t mean that one’s dreams have to end. Sometimes, what we need are opportunities, knowledge, skills, and someone to encourage us to try a different path.
I would like young people to understand that their lives are worth more than any trip or any amount of money. Many families would rather have their son or daughter close by even if they have to live modestly than receive money without knowing where their child is.
What do you think? Is irregular migration a solution for young people seeking a better future, or is it a dangerous journey that requires serious consideration before taking the plunge?
image edited with chatgpt
Translated from Somali to English with the help of ChatGPT and DeepL