2006 Photo Contest, Contemporary Issues, 1st prize
Photographer

Olivier Jobard

Sipa Press for Paris Match

02 October, 2004

A clandestine immigrant from Africa on his makeshift shoes. Most clandestine immigrants lose their shoes during the long journey, creating alternative solutions out of necessity. The short distance across the sea from northern Africa to mainland Spain or the Canary Islands is a popular route for illegal immigrants looking for a better life in Europe. Kingsley is one who attempted the passage. In his hometown in Cameroon, Kingsley earned just US$ 30 a month as a lifeguard at a hotel. He had already tried to reach Europe once before, but turned back in Nigeria having run out of funds. On his second trip, he managed to raise more than US$ 1,000 to pay for the trip, for smuggler fees, and to finance his first weeks in Europe.

About the photographer

Olivier Jobard

Born in 1970, Olivier Jobard joined the Louis Lumière School in 1990. He was offered an end-of-course internship at the Sipa Press agency and joined their photography team two ye...

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