Harraga

Term for north-African migrants attempting illegally to enter Europe.

Harraga – an Arabic word for “those who burn” – is used to describe two facets of illegal immigration from north Africa, usually into Spain, Italy, and France.

First, as reported by the A.P., in the case of Algerian harragas, the term is suggestive of a metaphorical burning of one’s bridges. (In September 2008, the Algerian government introduced tough penalties for those who attempt to leave the country illegally.)

Second, as explained by the I.H.T, the term has a more literal meaning for refugees who burn their identity papers before entering Spain, to exploit a law preventing the expulsion of anyone whose identity and nationality cannot be proved within 40 days.