In this paper, we present the six types and discuss them as they emerge in two particular regions (South-West Asia and Western Balkans). We also highlight initial findings on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant smuggling operations. We find that the fundamental mechanisms and types of migrant smuggling that were identified nearly two decades ago have persisted over time, but that certain changes in the modus operandi of migrant smugglers can be observed, changes that are linked to geopolitical, market, infrastructural, and other factors.

Regions

Europe and Northern America

Northern Africa and Western Asia

Countries

Afghanistan

Albania

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Iran

Iraq

Kosovo

Montenegro

North Macedonia

Pakistan

Serbia

Syria

Türkiye

Citation

Hendow, M., & Bilger, V. (2021, April). Typology of migrant smuggling: A holistic understanding.