Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

More than 15,000 migrant and refugee children and young people in Italy received support from UNICEF in 2025, according to the organization’s latest annual report covering activities across Europe and Central Asia. The report shows that UNICEF delivered several support services aimed at protecting vulnerable children and improving their well-being. These programs included mental health assistance, protection services, and initiatives to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. About 3,000 minors, women, and families also received direct individual support through local service programs. In addition, around 1,400 vulnerable children, including migrant and refugee minors, participated in special programs designed to help…

More than 4,100 electronic identification cards have been issued to Afghan citizens living in the United Arab Emirates since the start of the solar year 1404 (2025), according to the National Statistics and Information Authority operating under the current administration in Afghanistan. The authority said the electronic ID cards were distributed through the Easy Services center located in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to help Afghan citizens abroad access official identification and resolve issues related to their personal records. Officials explained that the center not only issues new electronic ID cards but also provides correction services for both digital and…

Authorities in Poland have recorded about 60 attempts by migrants to illegally cross the country’s border from Belarus since the start of 2026. The figures were released by the Polish Border Guard, which monitors migration activities along the eastern border of the country. According to officials, more than 10 crossing attempts were recorded on Monday alone. Border guards reported that a group of migrants tried to cross the Istochanka River near a border post in Michałowo. In another incident, border guards stationed in Narewka stopped migrants from climbing over a border fence using a ladder. Poland has strengthened security along…

Six people have been arrested in northern Greece in connection with two separate migrant smuggling cases involving migrants who illegally crossed into the country from Turkey, police said. Authorities reported that four suspects were detained late Monday in the city of Thessaloniki. Police discovered nine migrants hidden inside a barber’s shop after receiving information about possible smuggling activity in the area. The suspects arrested in Thessaloniki were foreign nationals aged between 18 and 27. Police believe they were involved in helping migrants who had entered Greece illegally while attempting to travel further into Europe. In a separate operation the same…

A key committee in the European Parliament has approved a mandate for stricter migrant return rules, marking a major step toward tightening immigration policies across the European Union. The decision was taken by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), which voted to support a new regulation designed to accelerate the deportation of migrants who do not have the legal right to remain in EU countries. The proposed reform would introduce several major changes to the EU’s migration framework. One of the most controversial elements is the creation of so-called “return hubs” outside EU borders, where rejected…

The government of Odisha has issued 2,608 licences covering more than 167,000 migrant workers over the past three years, according to data presented in the state assembly. Labour and Employees State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia revealed the figures while responding to a question raised by Pradip Kumar Dishari, a lawmaker representing the Lanjigarh constituency. The licences were issued under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act 1979, which regulates the employment and working conditions of migrant labourers moving between states for work. According to the minister, the highest number of licences was issued in…

The government of the Philippines has told its seafarers they may refuse to sail through designated “war-risk zones” in the Middle East as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. In an advisory issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Filipino maritime workers were informed that they have the “right to refuse sailing” if their ships are scheduled to pass through high-risk waters such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. Under the guidance, seafarers can request to disembark if vessels plan to travel through these areas…

Lawmakers in the European Union are expected to move forward with controversial migration reforms that could allow the creation of so-called “return hubs” for migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected. A key committee in the European Parliament is scheduled to hold a preliminary vote on the proposal this week. If approved, the measure could be adopted during a full parliamentary vote within days. The policy has already received backing from EU member states and reflects growing political pressure across Europe to tighten immigration rules and reduce irregular migration. Under the proposed system, migrants whose asylum applications are rejected could…

More than 1,500 migrant workers gathered in Singapore on Sunday to watch the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup during a communal Iftar event organized by telecommunications company StarHub. The event took place at the Tee Up Dormitory, where workers from different countries came together to break their Ramadan fast while watching the highly anticipated cricket match between India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team. StarHub volunteers distributed meals to residents observing Iftar, with both Muslim and non-Muslim workers participating in the gathering. The live screening allowed the dormitory residents to experience the excitement…

The government of the United States deported migrants to both Iran and Venezuela even as Washington prepared military actions against the governments of those countries, according to reports that have raised concerns among migration experts and human rights advocates. Under the administration of Donald Trump, authorities launched an aggressive deportation campaign aimed at removing large numbers of migrants from the country. As part of that effort, deportation flights continued to both Iran and Venezuela despite escalating political and military tensions. In Iran’s case, the United States ended a long-standing policy that had generally avoided deporting Iranian nationals due to the…