Human Smuggling as a Symptom of Failing Migration Policies: The Criminalization of Irregular Migration and Its Impact on Policy Development and Public Narratives in Italy

This thesis analyzes human smuggling and irregular migration as a direct consequence of systemic failures in migration policies in Italy. The methodology employs a qualitative and critical research design, using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates migration studies, international law, human rights, and empirical evidence. The research is structured around a multi-level analysis, comprehending from international politics and European governance to Italian national law, and migrant experiences gathered through six semi-structured interviews. The temporal framework focus from 2015 to 2025, after the so-called “migration crisis” period. The background analysis traces migration flows in the MENA region. The theoretical analysis critically looks at the EU's agenda for criminalization, securitization, and externalization of irregular migration, and finds that restrictive policies unintentionally encourage human smuggling by blocking legal routes and increasing demand for smuggling services. This directly influences political discourse and public perception. With a human lens, empirical findings reveal profiles of smugglers, human rights abuses and reflections on irregular migration from the migrants’ perspective. The thesis concludes that human smuggling is a symptom of failing migration policies in Italy and the EU. The thesis recommends a fundamental shift towards rights-based approaches, including creating safe and legal pathways, updating antiquated legal frameworks, and giving migrants' participation top priority.