Migration Causes and Challenges at the European Border in North Africa: A Practitioner-Based Grounded Theory

This investigation took place in Melilla, a European city in North Africa, and in the neighboring cities of Granada and Malaga, on the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain. As well as exploring an under-researched geographical area, the article also focuses on an under-researched group in the field of migration: first-line practitioners. Grounded theory research was conducted to develop a working model of practitioners’ perspectives surrounding causes of migration, and related challenges, at (and through) the European Union-Moroccan border. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to gather qualitative data from 19 first-line practitioners. Their perspectives suggested a complex set of causes underlying migration at an economic, individual, community, national, and geopolitical level. They also identified eight central risks, and challenges, for the migrant population during their journey to (and process of establishing their lives in) Europe. To reduce such risks, practitioners emphasized the need for safe migratory routes, quick institutional responses in the presence of unexpected phenomena (such as COVID-19), promoting and educating for empathy, and the development of more interregional solidarity on a national, European and international level. The paper concludes reflecting on the importance of these proposed responses in “out-of-place” European territories such as the city of Melilla.