Women Mules Move Goods Across The Borders Of Melila And Morocco

MELILLA, SPAIN - JANUARY 20: Moroccan women carry packages on their back as they cross the 'Barrio Chino' border crossing point between Melilla and Morocco on January 20, 2015 in Melilla, Spain. Hundreds of women, known as Porteadoras or Mule women of Melilla, carry heavy bales of goods across the border between the Spanish enclave of Melilla and Morocco, for merchants every day. A tax loophole means any hand-carried packages taken across the border into Morocco is considered luggage and is duty-free. The job for most is a last resort and is usually carried out by widows, divorcees and wives with husbands who are unable to work, many of which are older or ailing. Some of the women can make up to two or three trips per day earning about 3-4 euros per trip, carrying loads up to 80kg. According to the American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco more than €1.4 billion worth of goods are carried across the border of of 'El Barrio Chino’ by the Mules Women each year. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)