IOM this week launched an 8-week, UK-funded public information
campaign to raise awareness among potential Afghan migrants about
the dangers associated with irregular migration.

The campaign, implemented with a local NGO, the Media Support
Partnership- Afghanistan (MSPA), is aimed at countering
misconceptions surrounding irregular migration and life abroad,
while publicizing relevant information on possibilities for regular
migration through legal channels. 

Based on the results of an initial survey, the campaign targets
young men between the ages of 16 and 40 living in Kabul, Jalalabad,
Kandahar, Mazar and provincial capitals including Logar, Laghman
and Kapisa.

The research suggested that young men from these locations with
at least primary education were the most likely to try to migrate
through irregular means to countries in the region and to
Europe.

The campaign also targets families who are likely to contribute
to the men’s decision to migrate – usually their
parents – and who often run up huge debts to pay smugglers up
to US$15,000 to get a family member into a European Union
country.

The campaign uses TV and radio spots with national coverage to
convey its messages. These include interviews with Afghan returnees
and irregular migrants in the UK focusing on real life hardships,
as well as roundtable discussions on issues related to irregular in
which returnees, experts and government officials participate.

A photo booklet highlighting the dangers and risks of irregular
migration and information on the possibilities for regular
migration is also being widely disseminated. All the campaign
materials are produced in both Pashto and Dari languages.

A telephone helpline manned daily by five helpline counsellors
has also been set up to disseminate further information and record
feedback on the campaign.

The pre-campaign survey showed widespread ignorance among
aspiring migrants about the dangers of travelling abroad using
irregular channels and the realities of living and working as an
illegal immigrant overseas.

For more information please contact:

Siddiqullah Kakar

IOM Kabul

E-mail: "mailto:skakar@iomkabul.net">skakar@iomkabul.net