Families from Egypt have shared their devastating experiences of having their children kidnapped by smuggling gangs in Libya while trying to migrate illegally to Europe. One such family, whose son Hamdi Ibrahim left from their village of Kafr Abdullah Aziza seeking a better life, received a terrifying phone call from a smuggler demanding a ransom for their son's safe passage. The smuggler’s demand of 190,000 Egyptian pounds (around $4,050) reflects the dangers and high costs associated with these perilous journeys across the Mediterranean.

Hamdi began his ill-fated journey last November with twelve other young men from his village, drawn in by the growing trend of increasing migration among Egyptians, especially after a surge in the number of African migrants attempting to reach European shores. The family's fear and desperation grew as they heard threats from the smuggler, who warned them that without payment, their son’s life was in jeopardy. This highlights not only the human cost of illegal migration but the grim realities faced by families who feel their only choice is to risk everything for a better future.

The plight of these families underscores a broader issue of human trafficking and exploitation in the context of migration, particularly from countries like Egypt where socio-economic conditions drive individuals to such extremes. As Egyptian migrants continue to be at the forefront of this dangerous journey to Europe, the need for comprehensive solutions addressing the root causes of migration, as well as stronger protections for vulnerable families, has never been more urgent.