Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

As President Donald Trump moves forward with his plan for mass deportations, Mexican border cities are bracing for an influx of migrants. On Wednesday, Mexico began setting up large tent shelters near the U.S. border in Ciudad Juárez, as part of an early response to the expected surge in deportations. The tents, initially intended for Mexican deportees, could expand into a larger operation depending on the number of migrants arriving at the border. Enrique Serrano, an official from Chihuahua state, which includes Ciudad Juárez, stated that the shelters could be scaled up as needed. Migrants from other countries who are…

A new report shows that up to 585,000 people living in London might be illegal migrants. This number means about one in 12 people in the city could be living without legal immigration status, creating big challenges for the UK’s immigration system. The study, commissioned by Thames Water and reported by the Telegraph, estimates that between 390,355 and 585,533 people in London are unauthorized residents. Many of them likely entered the UK legally on work, study, or visitor visas but stayed longer than allowed, becoming illegal migrants. The UK Home Office does not provide official numbers on illegal migrants, making…

The Italian-Albanian agreement to process asylum applications in Albania has raised serious concerns about its legal and human rights implications. The deal, designed to manage migration more efficiently, has sparked debates across Europe. In the small village of Gjader, located near the Adriatic Sea in northwestern Albania, the establishment of a migrant camp brought initial changes to the community. The camp, set up near a renovated airbase, offered economic opportunities to locals. Italian staff rented homes, creating a temporary boost for the village’s economy. For a brief period, the initiative seemed to benefit both the community and the migrants. However,…

Spain’s Minister of Inclusion and Migration, Elma Saiz, has praised Morocco as a key partner in managing migration. She highlighted the success of their joint efforts, including innovative programs like circular migration, which benefit both countries. Ahead of her visit to Morocco, Saiz described the country as a reliable and friendly ally. She emphasized that their collaboration is based on strong economic ties and effective migration policies. This partnership has been a model for tackling migration challenges while supporting economic growth. Her visit coincides with the conclusion of the Wafira program, a pilot initiative that empowers rural Moroccan women through…

India is taking significant steps to repatriate an estimated 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants from the United States, marking a key part of its cooperation with the incoming Trump administration. This move is seen as an early signal from New Delhi of its willingness to comply with the new president’s policies, particularly regarding illegal immigration. The Indian government aims to avoid potential trade conflicts with the US while ensuring its citizens are returned home in accordance with the administration’s crackdown on unlawful migration. According to individuals familiar with the matter, the US has identified approximately 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants for deportation.…

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed a heartbreaking tragedy off the southern coast of Yemen, where 20 Ethiopian migrants, including nine women and 11 men, lost their lives when their boat capsized. The incident took place over the weekend and involved a vessel carrying 35 Ethiopian migrants, along with a Yemeni captain and an assistant. The boat had departed from Djibouti, heading towards Yemen, when it capsized amid strong seasonal winds near Al-Hajjajah in Taiz Governorate, Yemen. According to the IOM’s report, the survivors of the incident managed to make it to shore, though the boat disaster claimed…

The Labour Ministry has launched an investigation into allegations of fake health certificates being issued to migrant workers. These certificates are reportedly being arranged through intermediaries claiming connections with senior ministry officials. Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth assured that the ministry is treating the matter with utmost seriousness. Boonsong urged employers and representatives registering migrant workers to adhere strictly to legal protocols, emphasizing the importance of conducting authentic health checks. He has directed the Department of Employment (DoE) to verify the claims and ensure no fraudulent activities are overlooked. The ministry has also warned hospitals involved in issuing fake medical certificates.…

The long wait for stranded Bangladeshi workers hoping to migrate to Malaysia may soon be over. According to Ruhul Amin, the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary, the process of sending workers to Malaysia is expected to begin by March or April. Speaking at the ministry on January 22, Ruhul Amin assured that efforts are underway to resolve the ongoing issues and ensure the workers’ migration proceeds smoothly. “Our embassy in Kuala Lumpur is actively coordinating with Malaysian authorities to finalize the necessary arrangements,” he said. This update comes as a relief to many workers who have been waiting for…

Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, has announced a substantial reduction in irregular migration at the border with Slovenia, attributing this success to enhanced border controls. The announcement followed a meeting in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, on January 20, where Piantedosi met with Slovenian Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar and Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinović to discuss regional migration and security challenges. According to Piantedosi, between October 21, 2023, and January 15, 2025, approximately 6,200 irregular migrants crossed into Italy from Slovenia. This figure represents a 48% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. During this timeframe, Italian authorities identified…

Church leaders in the U.S. and Mexico are speaking out in support of migrants who are at risk of being deported under new U.S. administration plans. These leaders are urging communities to be ready to welcome and assist migrants, offering both spiritual and material support. In Chicago, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich reassured local immigrants that reports of mass deportations targeting the city were deeply troubling. He emphasized that the Catholic community would stand by migrants in these challenging times. On January 19, priests at St. Rita of Cascia Parish organized a special Mass to show their solidarity, blessing “pastoral packs”…