Everybody wants a good life for him or herself or for his family. This sometimes means that one has to leave his or her trusted environment or country to seek greener pastures. Sometimes when one makes this choice, one can fall victim to cons who try to capitalise on this fact. And things can then get really ugly.

As the number of people seeking visas increases, more and more crooks are offering their "services" under the guise of being travel agencies. Their services include securing forged visas, bank statements, marriage certificates - whatever you need. In most African capitals there are districts that are notorious for these dubious enterprises. You name it and you will get it, but for a sizeable fee of course.

People who migrate are our heroes. They are courageous and take the responsibility for their families to give them a better life. Migration is an old tradition in Africa. Our grandfathers were nomads. It was completely natural for them to take their flock and look for greener pastures.

Becoming rich by migrating to Europe is a myth. The only way to get rich is to sell people this myth as a reality.

Many Pentecostal churches have emerged in Africa. They claim that they can perform countless miracles including enabling people to get visas.

Consulting their pastor before traveling is to be taken as part of some average example and experiences of most Africans who wants to migrate.

Amadou (Senegal)