Create legal entry points into the EU and start recruiting labour through EU embassies in Africa. But don’t forget to take into account the individual aspirations and capabilities of the migrants. Here are some recommendations for policy makers seeking a solution to the Mediterranean crisis. The significant proportion of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa must be taken into account when seeking solution to the Mediterranean crisis Interventions should prioritise long-term solutions that take the aspirations and capabilities of migrants and refugees into account Creation of legal entry points into the EU should be a central priority, in order to remove the incentive for future migrants to risk their lives at sea Active recruitment of labour through EU embassies in Africa would further reduce the incentive to pursue illegal means of entering Europe.