Bram Frouws
@bramfrouws.bsky.social
Director of the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) www.mixedmigration.org / Views are my own.
Reposted by Bram Frouws
How does smuggling really work?
Join our webinar as we discuss findings based on surveys with 80,000+ refugees & migrants, & 500 smugglers. We look at: drivers, violence, corruption, & whether migration policies break the smuggling "business model”.
9 Dec, 2pm CET
https://f.mtr.cool/rmfgyiapmi
Join our webinar as we discuss findings based on surveys with 80,000+ refugees & migrants, & 500 smugglers. We look at: drivers, violence, corruption, & whether migration policies break the smuggling "business model”.
9 Dec, 2pm CET
https://f.mtr.cool/rmfgyiapmi
November 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM
How does smuggling really work?
Join our webinar as we discuss findings based on surveys with 80,000+ refugees & migrants, & 500 smugglers. We look at: drivers, violence, corruption, & whether migration policies break the smuggling "business model”.
9 Dec, 2pm CET
https://f.mtr.cool/rmfgyiapmi
Join our webinar as we discuss findings based on surveys with 80,000+ refugees & migrants, & 500 smugglers. We look at: drivers, violence, corruption, & whether migration policies break the smuggling "business model”.
9 Dec, 2pm CET
https://f.mtr.cool/rmfgyiapmi
Reposted by Bram Frouws
📢 #𝗠𝗠𝗥𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼! Join us for a dynamic discussion about migration in the context of geopolitical turmoil during the launch event:
🗓️ Wednesday, 20 November
🕑 14:00–15:30 CET
💻 Online
Don’t miss this timely conversation. 👉 Join the dialogue: https://f.mtr.cool/ajmunzgqct
@DRC_ngo
🗓️ Wednesday, 20 November
🕑 14:00–15:30 CET
💻 Online
Don’t miss this timely conversation. 👉 Join the dialogue: https://f.mtr.cool/ajmunzgqct
@DRC_ngo
November 13, 2025 at 7:02 AM
📢 #𝗠𝗠𝗥𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼! Join us for a dynamic discussion about migration in the context of geopolitical turmoil during the launch event:
🗓️ Wednesday, 20 November
🕑 14:00–15:30 CET
💻 Online
Don’t miss this timely conversation. 👉 Join the dialogue: https://f.mtr.cool/ajmunzgqct
@DRC_ngo
🗓️ Wednesday, 20 November
🕑 14:00–15:30 CET
💻 Online
Don’t miss this timely conversation. 👉 Join the dialogue: https://f.mtr.cool/ajmunzgqct
@DRC_ngo
Reposted by Bram Frouws
"Instead of disrupting the business model, the current approach to smuggling is boosting [it] ... Tighter European controls made the demand for their services increase and their work more profitable".
@bramfrouws.bsky.social at @mixedmigration.org
www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
@bramfrouws.bsky.social at @mixedmigration.org
www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
Op-ed: Moving beyond tough talk on migration to real solutions
Politically driven quick fixes are crowding out policy. Europe must invest in a long-term migration architecture that works.
www.theparliamentmagazine.eu
October 16, 2025 at 12:35 PM
"Instead of disrupting the business model, the current approach to smuggling is boosting [it] ... Tighter European controls made the demand for their services increase and their work more profitable".
@bramfrouws.bsky.social at @mixedmigration.org
www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
@bramfrouws.bsky.social at @mixedmigration.org
www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
My latest Op-Ed for Parliament Magazine. Moving beyond tough talk on #migration to real solutions. 4 misconceptions explaining why politically driven 'innovative solutions' don't work & 5 things we need to do for a long-term migration approach that works www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
Op-ed: Moving beyond tough talk on migration to real solutions
Politically driven quick fixes are crowding out policy. Europe must invest in a long-term migration architecture that works.
www.theparliamentmagazine.eu
October 13, 2025 at 12:05 PM
My latest Op-Ed for Parliament Magazine. Moving beyond tough talk on #migration to real solutions. 4 misconceptions explaining why politically driven 'innovative solutions' don't work & 5 things we need to do for a long-term migration approach that works www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
Reposted by Bram Frouws
“Will the new EU Entry/Exit System [EES] always be properly handled at external borders?” @bramfrouws.bsky.social notes key things to watch as EU rolls out biometric border system - especially for asylum seekers’ rights, intrview @aljazeera.com @priyankashankar.bsky.social
How will the EU’s new entry-exit border system work?
From October 12, the EU will roll out a new entry system for foreigners who need short-stay Schengen visas.
f.mtr.cool
October 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
“Will the new EU Entry/Exit System [EES] always be properly handled at external borders?” @bramfrouws.bsky.social notes key things to watch as EU rolls out biometric border system - especially for asylum seekers’ rights, intrview @aljazeera.com @priyankashankar.bsky.social
Reposted by Bram Frouws
This year's Mixed Migration Review #MMR2025 examines how migration dynamics are reshaping in response to a context of intensified geopolitical turmoil. Join us for the online launch on Nov 20, 14:00-15:30 CET.
💻➡️ Register on Zoom: https://f.mtr.cool/qhbvurkhfe
💻➡️ Register on Zoom: https://f.mtr.cool/qhbvurkhfe
September 11, 2025 at 12:03 PM
This year's Mixed Migration Review #MMR2025 examines how migration dynamics are reshaping in response to a context of intensified geopolitical turmoil. Join us for the online launch on Nov 20, 14:00-15:30 CET.
💻➡️ Register on Zoom: https://f.mtr.cool/qhbvurkhfe
💻➡️ Register on Zoom: https://f.mtr.cool/qhbvurkhfe
A persistent myths in media, policy & political debates: #smugglers are luring migrants into irregular #migration journeys. Is that so? We asked 60,000 migrants. The simple answer is: NO. Coming soon: more evidence on how smuggling really works mixedmigration.org/smugglers-as...
Smugglers as influencers on the decision to migrate | Mixed Migration Centre
Evidence from 60,000 migrant surveys shows smugglers rarely influence migration decisions, challenging common media and policy narratives.
mixedmigration.org
September 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A persistent myths in media, policy & political debates: #smugglers are luring migrants into irregular #migration journeys. Is that so? We asked 60,000 migrants. The simple answer is: NO. Coming soon: more evidence on how smuggling really works mixedmigration.org/smugglers-as...
Reposted by Bram Frouws
Listen to the full interview on the lack of human rights safeguards in #migration deals between #Mauritania and the EU.
🎧⬇️
🎧⬇️
BBC Audio | Focus on Africa | Mauritania accused of widespread abuses against migrants
Human Rights Watch allege EU deal fuelling Mauritania's abuse of African migrants
f.mtr.cool
August 29, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Listen to the full interview on the lack of human rights safeguards in #migration deals between #Mauritania and the EU.
🎧⬇️
🎧⬇️
Reposted by Bram Frouws
“The priority is really stopping people from departing from the Mauritanian coast, and that priority takes precedence over making sure there is a strong monitoring of human rights violations” said @BramFrouws, Director of MMC, to @BBC Focus on Africa.
August 29, 2025 at 9:40 AM
“The priority is really stopping people from departing from the Mauritanian coast, and that priority takes precedence over making sure there is a strong monitoring of human rights violations” said @BramFrouws, Director of MMC, to @BBC Focus on Africa.
Don't miss the launch of this year's Mixed Migration Review, Thursday 20th November. This year's theme: Migration in times of geopolitical turmoil. You can register here: mixedmigration.org/events/virtu...
August 29, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Don't miss the launch of this year's Mixed Migration Review, Thursday 20th November. This year's theme: Migration in times of geopolitical turmoil. You can register here: mixedmigration.org/events/virtu...
I spoke to the BBC’s Focus on Africa today about the new @hrw.org report on violence against refugees & migrants in #Mauritania, a country the EU closely cooperates with to contain #migration towards Europe. Listen here (from minute 08:40) www.bbc.com/audio/play/p...
BBC Audio | Focus on Africa | Mauritania accused of widespread abuses against migrants
Human Rights Watch allege EU deal fuelling Mauritania's abuse of African migrants
www.bbc.com
August 28, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I spoke to the BBC’s Focus on Africa today about the new @hrw.org report on violence against refugees & migrants in #Mauritania, a country the EU closely cooperates with to contain #migration towards Europe. Listen here (from minute 08:40) www.bbc.com/audio/play/p...
Happy to have contributed to this great article by @eloisehardy96 in @Parlimag, on the current state of ‘Schengen’, discussing the risks of not sufficiently valuing #Schengen anymore, #migration diplomacy & more www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
August 14, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Happy to have contributed to this great article by @eloisehardy96 in @Parlimag, on the current state of ‘Schengen’, discussing the risks of not sufficiently valuing #Schengen anymore, #migration diplomacy & more www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article...
Reposted by Bram Frouws
What have we learned about the experiences of Afghans taking perilous journeys to Pakistan & Türkiye? 📊 Key insights from 𝟮,𝟴𝟳𝟯 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟳 𝗶𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 (Sept 2023 - Sept 2024): ⬇️
Protection and assistance for Afghans in mixed migration | Mixed Migration Centre
This paper examines the protection and assistance needs of Afghans in mixed migration, highlighting the risks, gender-specific vulnerabilities, and gaps in humanitarian support along routes to Pakistan and Türkiye
f.mtr.cool
July 30, 2025 at 11:03 AM
What have we learned about the experiences of Afghans taking perilous journeys to Pakistan & Türkiye? 📊 Key insights from 𝟮,𝟴𝟳𝟯 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟳 𝗶𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 (Sept 2023 - Sept 2024): ⬇️
“Aid cuts are driving migrants to Europe”, warns UN refugee chief www.ft.com/content/976f... via @financialtimes.com Sad to see this “we need more aid otherwise migrants will come” threat narrative still being used. Here’s what we wrote about this last year www.thenewhumanitarian.org/opinion/2024...
https://thenewhumanitarian.org/opinion/2024/1…
July 30, 2025 at 7:04 AM
“Aid cuts are driving migrants to Europe”, warns UN refugee chief www.ft.com/content/976f... via @financialtimes.com Sad to see this “we need more aid otherwise migrants will come” threat narrative still being used. Here’s what we wrote about this last year www.thenewhumanitarian.org/opinion/2024...
Reposted by Bram Frouws
🌍 How is migration being reshaped by intensified geopolitical turmoil? In October, we’re launching the 2025 Mixed Migration Review — exploring how global upheaval is transforming mobility.
🔔 Subscribe for launch updates: https://mixedmigration.org/mmr2025/
#MMR2025
🔔 Subscribe for launch updates: https://mixedmigration.org/mmr2025/
#MMR2025
MMR2025 | Mixed Migration Centre
The Mixed Migration Review 2025 will focus on how the current geopolitical turmoil and shifting world order is shaping migration.
mixedmigration.org
July 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
🌍 How is migration being reshaped by intensified geopolitical turmoil? In October, we’re launching the 2025 Mixed Migration Review — exploring how global upheaval is transforming mobility.
🔔 Subscribe for launch updates: https://mixedmigration.org/mmr2025/
#MMR2025
🔔 Subscribe for launch updates: https://mixedmigration.org/mmr2025/
#MMR2025
Reposted by Bram Frouws
Uptick in arrivals in Crete & the Balearics seem to result from EU’s short-term migration strategy: securitising routes & targeting smugglers via deals with third countries—without addressing migration drivers or the links between regular & irregular migration.
Are Crete and the Balearics Revealing Cracks in the EU Migration Deterrence? | Mixed Migration Centre
Read about the uptick in arrivals at the Greek island of Crete, predominantly from Libya, and the sudden popularity of the Balearic islands as an entry point to Spain.
bit.ly
July 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Uptick in arrivals in Crete & the Balearics seem to result from EU’s short-term migration strategy: securitising routes & targeting smugglers via deals with third countries—without addressing migration drivers or the links between regular & irregular migration.
Reposted by Bram Frouws
"Meanwhile, the externalization of border controls – through deals with a growing number of third countries, often with poor human rights records – become increasingly fragile and unsustainable."
Uptick in arrivals in Crete & the Balearics seem to result from EU’s short-term migration strategy: securitising routes & targeting smugglers via deals with third countries—without addressing migration drivers or the links between regular & irregular migration.
Are Crete and the Balearics Revealing Cracks in the EU Migration Deterrence? | Mixed Migration Centre
Read about the uptick in arrivals at the Greek island of Crete, predominantly from Libya, and the sudden popularity of the Balearic islands as an entry point to Spain.
bit.ly
July 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM
"Meanwhile, the externalization of border controls – through deals with a growing number of third countries, often with poor human rights records – become increasingly fragile and unsustainable."
Reposted by Bram Frouws
Very useful & timely analysis from @mixedmigration.org.
”…the current EU externalization strategy looks increasingly unsustainable, as the seemingly never-ending number of deals with external partners becomes increasingly financially and politically costly to maintain.” 👇
”…the current EU externalization strategy looks increasingly unsustainable, as the seemingly never-ending number of deals with external partners becomes increasingly financially and politically costly to maintain.” 👇
What’s behind the increasing arrivals on the Balearic Islands from Algeria and Crete from Libya? What does it tell us abt EU #migration policies? Our latest article: mixedmigration.org/moving-beyon...
Moving beyond deterrence: The need for a fresh approach to migration to Europe | Mixed Migration Centre
Read about the uptick in arrivals at the Greek island of Crete, predominantly from Libya, and the sudden popularity of the Balearic islands as an entry point to Spain.
mixedmigration.org
July 19, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Very useful & timely analysis from @mixedmigration.org.
”…the current EU externalization strategy looks increasingly unsustainable, as the seemingly never-ending number of deals with external partners becomes increasingly financially and politically costly to maintain.” 👇
”…the current EU externalization strategy looks increasingly unsustainable, as the seemingly never-ending number of deals with external partners becomes increasingly financially and politically costly to maintain.” 👇
What’s behind the increasing arrivals on the Balearic Islands from Algeria and Crete from Libya? What does it tell us abt EU #migration policies? Our latest article: mixedmigration.org/moving-beyon...
Moving beyond deterrence: The need for a fresh approach to migration to Europe | Mixed Migration Centre
Read about the uptick in arrivals at the Greek island of Crete, predominantly from Libya, and the sudden popularity of the Balearic islands as an entry point to Spain.
mixedmigration.org
July 18, 2025 at 7:18 PM
What’s behind the increasing arrivals on the Balearic Islands from Algeria and Crete from Libya? What does it tell us abt EU #migration policies? Our latest article: mixedmigration.org/moving-beyon...
Reposted by Bram Frouws
Why are people with approved visas still stuck in Gaza? And why aren’t more people receiving documents to leave?
@bramfrouws.bsky.social tells @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social : Countries could loosen documentation rules — it’s not impossible. What’s missing is political will.
@bramfrouws.bsky.social tells @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social : Countries could loosen documentation rules — it’s not impossible. What’s missing is political will.
In Belgium, a mother fears for her children under Israel’s bombs in Gaza
Belgium has approved visas for Rawan Alkatari’s husband and three children, but they remain stuck in the Strip.
f.mtr.cool
July 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Why are people with approved visas still stuck in Gaza? And why aren’t more people receiving documents to leave?
@bramfrouws.bsky.social tells @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social : Countries could loosen documentation rules — it’s not impossible. What’s missing is political will.
@bramfrouws.bsky.social tells @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social : Countries could loosen documentation rules — it’s not impossible. What’s missing is political will.
Reposted by Bram Frouws
The criminalisation of solidarity is an incredible worrying element of the EU's response to migrant smuggling.
We went deep on this issues with @gesanchez.bsky.social , @bramfrouws.bsky.social and @bernd-parusel.bsky.social in this seminar hosted by @sieps.bsky.social
sieps.se/en/seminars/...
We went deep on this issues with @gesanchez.bsky.social , @bramfrouws.bsky.social and @bernd-parusel.bsky.social in this seminar hosted by @sieps.bsky.social
sieps.se/en/seminars/...
July 8, 2025 at 8:11 AM
The criminalisation of solidarity is an incredible worrying element of the EU's response to migrant smuggling.
We went deep on this issues with @gesanchez.bsky.social , @bramfrouws.bsky.social and @bernd-parusel.bsky.social in this seminar hosted by @sieps.bsky.social
sieps.se/en/seminars/...
We went deep on this issues with @gesanchez.bsky.social , @bramfrouws.bsky.social and @bernd-parusel.bsky.social in this seminar hosted by @sieps.bsky.social
sieps.se/en/seminars/...
Reposted by Bram Frouws
MMC Director @bramfrouws.bsky.social in @euobserver.com on the political chaos around 2 Dutch asylum laws up for vote tonight. A last-minute clause to criminalise undocumented migrants & those who support them may sink the gov’s promise of the strictest asylum regime ever.
Helping undocumented migrants in Netherlands could soon be a crime
Dutch MPs on Thursday are set to vote on asylum laws proposed by the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), headed by Geert Wilders.
f.mtr.cool
July 3, 2025 at 2:04 PM
MMC Director @bramfrouws.bsky.social in @euobserver.com on the political chaos around 2 Dutch asylum laws up for vote tonight. A last-minute clause to criminalise undocumented migrants & those who support them may sink the gov’s promise of the strictest asylum regime ever.
#SaudiArabia will host the 2034 #FIFAWorldCup. But what about the millions of #migrant workers in KSA? Based on fieldwork in Saudi Arabia, surveying hundreds of migrants, we examined interactions btwn #climate stressors, labour conditions & migration trajectories mixedmigration.org/behind-the-s...
July 1, 2025 at 2:42 PM
#SaudiArabia will host the 2034 #FIFAWorldCup. But what about the millions of #migrant workers in KSA? Based on fieldwork in Saudi Arabia, surveying hundreds of migrants, we examined interactions btwn #climate stressors, labour conditions & migration trajectories mixedmigration.org/behind-the-s...
New MMC article exploring mixed migration consequences of the recent Israel Iran war; what are the scenarios if conflict re-escalates or in case of domestic unrest & instability in Iran? With particular focus on the situation for Afghan refugees in Iran mixedmigration.org/mixed-migrat...
June 25, 2025 at 1:56 PM
New MMC article exploring mixed migration consequences of the recent Israel Iran war; what are the scenarios if conflict re-escalates or in case of domestic unrest & instability in Iran? With particular focus on the situation for Afghan refugees in Iran mixedmigration.org/mixed-migrat...
Reposted by Bram Frouws
Missed our recent @sieps.bsky.social webinar on migrant smuggling and the EU’s counter-smuggling policies, with @gesanchez.bsky.social, @bramfrouws.bsky.social & @svaroschi.bsky.social?
There is now a recording you can watch! 👇 sieps.se/en/seminars/...
There is now a recording you can watch! 👇 sieps.se/en/seminars/...
Assessing the EU’s response to the smuggling of migrants
sieps.se
June 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Missed our recent @sieps.bsky.social webinar on migrant smuggling and the EU’s counter-smuggling policies, with @gesanchez.bsky.social, @bramfrouws.bsky.social & @svaroschi.bsky.social?
There is now a recording you can watch! 👇 sieps.se/en/seminars/...
There is now a recording you can watch! 👇 sieps.se/en/seminars/...