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Each year young people from the tiny West African nation of The Gambia try to reach Europe through 鈥淭he Backway鈥� - a costly, perilous journey over land and sea.

Many do not make it. In recent years, the EU has done deals with several North African nations to clamp down on irregular migration. Though human rights groups say the treatment of migrants can be brutal - allegations the authorities deny. But each year thousands of African migrants say they have no choice but to return home.

It can be a struggle to return. Some are traumatised by their experience and face stigma for having failed to reach Europe. Others are already planning to try again.

For Assignment, Alex Last travels to The Gambia to find out what happens to migrants who've risked everything to get to Europe, but end up back home.

Reporter: Alex Last
Producer: Ellie House
Local producer: Frederic Tendeng
Sound mix: David Crackles
Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Series editor: Penny Murphy

(Photo: Alagie came home to The Gambia after failing to reach Europe by boat from North Africa. Credit: Alex Last)