Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Social media has become an essential tool for migrant advocacy and raising awareness about migration issues worldwide. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have allowed migrants to share their personal stories, mobilize support, and engage with a global audience in ways that were once unimaginable. In an era where mainstream media often overlooks or misrepresents migrant struggles, social media provides an unfiltered space for migrants to speak out and make their voices heard. Through social media, migrants are able to directly share their experiences, shedding light on the challenges they face and the contributions they make to society. This…

The exploitation of migrant workers in Ireland is escalating, with thousands facing poor pay, harsh working conditions, and other forms of abuse. The Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MRCI) has reported that employment-related cases have returned to pre-recession levels, indicating a troubling increase in workplace violations. Last year, the MRCI documented numerous cases of workers being forced to work twice their contracted hours without additional pay, with some earning as little as €4.50 an hour. Others reported paying illegal fees of up to €40,000 to secure work permits, a practice banned under current legislation. These issues are most prevalent in…

A tragic workplace accident has claimed the life of Jun Jiang, a 37-year-old migrant worker from Jiangsu, China, who passed away after falling from a scissor lift in late December. The incident occurred on December 28 at SD Aluminium’s Albany warehouse in Auckland, where Jiang was moving aluminum extrusions. He was rushed to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery, but his condition did not improve. His life support was turned off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, and he passed away three hours later. Jiang had moved to New Zealand in late 2022 on an accredited employer work…

Hungary is bracing for increased migration challenges as shifts in Schengen policies reshape border management and regional dynamics. In 2024, authorities apprehended nearly 16,000 illegal migrants and 132 smugglers, highlighting ongoing pressures on Europe’s migration systems. György Bakondi, Hungary’s Chief Security Advisor, emphasized the evolving nature of migration along the Balkan route. While the number of crossings decreased compared to earlier years, migration routes have shifted to Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia. This change follows joint efforts by Hungarian and Serbian police to manage rising migrant flows. Bakondi also criticized the European Union’s (EU) migration pact, calling it ineffective and…

Saudi Arabia has faced growing international criticism over its treatment of migrant workers, with reports highlighting exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and disturbingly high death rates linked to the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030 projects. These projects, aimed at transforming the Kingdom’s economy, rely heavily on the labour of migrant workers, who endure significant hardships as they contribute to the country’s rapid development. One of the most alarming issues is the staggering number of deaths among migrant workers. Since construction began on NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s flagship megacity project, an estimated 21,000 workers have lost their lives. This equates to an average of…

Tensions are rising in South Korea’s shipbuilding industry as workers protest the government’s decision to maintain an increased visa quota for migrant laborers. The temporary policy, allowing migrant workers to comprise up to 30% of the full-time workforce in shipyards, has sparked calls for a rollback to the previous 20% limit. Labour unions representing workers from eight major shipyards have criticized the government’s move, accusing authorities of prioritizing cheap labour over improved working conditions for domestic employees. The unions announced plans to hold a press conference, urging both the government and shipbuilders to reduce their reliance on migrant labour and…

A political feud has erupted between Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman over the placement of migrants in Aurora. In an op-ed published in the Colorado Springs Gazette, Coffman accused Johnston of secretly relocating migrants, including alleged Venezuelan gang members, to Aurora through non-profit organizations. Coffman claimed that Johnston used non-profits as a cover to “dump migrants” into other cities, an allegation Johnston vehemently denies. “The City of Denver never places anyone anywhere,” Johnston stated, adding that he was blindsided by Coffman’s public accusations. The controversy stems from Denver’s partnership with two non-profits tasked with finding housing…

The European Court of Human Rights has issued a landmark ruling against Greece, condemning its illegal deportation of a Turkish migrant and describing the practice of summary expulsions, or “pushbacks,” as systematic. The decision, announced in Strasbourg, France, highlights ongoing concerns about how European nations handle migrants at their borders. The court ruled in favor of a Turkish woman, identified as A.R.E., who was deported from Greece to Turkey in 2019 without being given the opportunity to apply for asylum. She was awarded €20,000 ($21,000) in damages. The court noted that there was substantial evidence of a systematic pushback policy…

The Labour Ministry has introduced detailed guidelines to help migrant workers and their employers better understand the rights related to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. These guidelines are designed to provide clear information and strong protections during important stages such as pre-pregnancy planning, pregnancy, post-birth recovery, and childcare responsibilities. The aim is to ensure that migrant workers have access to essential support and are treated fairly throughout these critical phases of their lives. Recognizing the unique challenges migrant workers face in Taiwan, the Labour Ministry’s Workforce Development Agency has taken proactive steps to address these needs. Since 2022, consultation service centers…

A U.S. District Judge in Texas has ruled against President Joe Biden’s immigration program that aimed to provide a path to citizenship for certain immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens. The decision, made on Thursday, could prevent the initiative, known as “Keeping Families Together,” from proceeding during the remainder of Biden’s presidency. The program was designed to offer citizenship to approximately 500,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally but are married to U.S. citizens. The judge, J. Campbell Barker, found that the program exceeded Biden’s executive authority, a significant setback for the administration. The initiative was launched in August but was…