Capturing Irregular Migrations Through a Macro-sociological Lens: The Harga Process in Twelve Steps from North Africa to Europe

Irregular migration is a worldwide phenomenon. Each country develops its vision and its actions generally without knowing either the magnitude or the depth of irregular migrations stock and flows. Each actor tries to develop its specific contribution to picture its complexity in the Mediterranean region, the world deadliest zone for migrants. We develop a global method to measure the process of irregular maritime migration in twelve steps from North Africa to Europe. Such a vision is a missing link in the governance of irregular migrations. The first sequence (entry) has three steps. Migration begins with the intention to leave. Then the prospects legitimize the move. Finally, the departure is decided. The final sequence (exit) has three options: installation, return to the country of origin or a new departure. Between these two sequences, we design the “black box” on the sea route, with six steps.This macroscopic view is based on field studies and data produced since this millennium particularly on harga from Maghreb Countries (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia).Each country can thus find its function in sharing information, hence contributing to the implementation of the first goal of the UN global compact for regular migration.