65 illegal immigrants were arrested Sunday evening in Annaba locality, East of Algeria. They were heading to the northern side of the Mediterranean using three Rowboats.

•     The phenomenon of illegal immigration from Algeria to Europ appears to be on the rise. A recent Algerian navy report indicates that the number of people who died during the crossing and whose bodies have been recovered has risen steadily over the last two years, up from 29 in 2005 to 73 in 2006 and 83 in 2007. 
•      The number of persons reported missing appears to run into the hundreds, Judging by the number of applications made by families to the family tracking service of the Algerian Red Cross (ARC). This body helps families trace their children by working in partnership with Red Cross organizations in Europe, particularly those of Spain and Italy.
•  The ARC says more than 50 applications are processed each month and forwarded to the International Red Cross network for further investigation. This compares with a figure of between five and seven applications per month in 2001.
•   Parliamentary Relations Minister Mahmoud Khoudri announced previously  in the first half of 2007, a total of 35 sea rescues were mounted. During the operations, 61 boats and 12 makeshift craft were intercepted and 105 people were brought before the courts. He noted that the immigrants were predominantly young students, merchants, civil servants and unemployed people aged 18-40. According to Khoudri, “The concerns about young people and the phenomenon of illegal immigration are being closely examined by political leaders in Algeria.”
• The first group consisting of 20 young men was arrested at 09.30 PM at about 2000 sea miles north of Seibous River, Annaba locality. Second group 24 youngsters were arrested at 12.00 PM at about 6000 sea miles north of Sidi Salem beach. However, third group with 21 illegal immigrants were arrested at 02.00 AM at about 15.000 sea miles north of Raas Elhamra, Annaba.
• The three groups consisting of young illegal immigrants will be interrogated Monday.