Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Ireland’s local elections in June 2024 marked a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion in politics. For the first time, over 20 councillors from migrant backgrounds were elected. This is a historic achievement and a major improvement compared to 2019, when only nine migrant councillors were elected, with three more later added through co-option. This increase shows that more migrant communities are stepping into leadership roles and gaining representation. The elections also saw a big rise in participation. In 2024, over 120 candidates from migrant backgrounds ran for local office, more than double the 53 candidates in 2019. However,…

Donald Trump has reaffirmed his pledge to prioritize deporting undocumented migrants with criminal records, but questions remain about who he considers a “criminal migrant.” During his campaign, Trump claimed that the Biden administration had allowed dangerous individuals to enter the country, citing statistics like “13,000 undocumented murderers.” However, experts argue that these figures are misleading, as many of these individuals are already incarcerated, deported, or deceased, not roaming freely in the U.S. Research consistently shows that undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes than U.S.-born citizens. In Texas, the only state that tracks immigration status in criminal cases, arrest rates for undocumented…

The Malaysian Immigration Department has announced that its Migrant Repatriation Programme counters will operate on Dec 21 and 28, the last two Saturdays of the month. This initiative aims to provide more undocumented migrants with the opportunity to register for the programme and return to their home countries. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that the extended operations are expected to handle an additional 4,000 applications. As of Dec 12, a total of 216,471 undocumented migrants from 111 countries have registered for the programme, with 186,107 already repatriated. The countries with the highest number of repatriations include Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar,…

Tragedy struck off the southern Greek island of Gavdos as at least five migrants drowned when their wooden boat capsized, the Greek coastguard confirmed on Saturday. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous journeys across the Mediterranean. Rescue efforts saved 39 men, most of whom are from Pakistan. They were transferred to the island of Crete for safety and medical assistance. However, many others remain unaccounted for, and the exact number of missing individuals has not yet been confirmed. The search operation, involving coastguard boats, merchant vessels, an Italian frigate, and naval aircraft, continues to comb…

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has promised to push forward with her government’s controversial agreement to process migrants in centres managed by Italy but located in Albania. Speaking at the Atreju festival in Rome, hosted by her right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, Meloni expressed her unwavering determination to ensure the plan succeeds despite facing legal setbacks. Meloni addressed the audience with passion, saying, “The centres for migrants in Albania will work, even if I have to spend every night there until the end of the Italian government’s term.” Her remarks were met with applause as she emphasized her broader mission…

From the first quarter of 2025, migrant workers in Singapore will have access to free legal assistance and representation. This support will be provided at the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre, located at the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) in Serangoon. The centre will address various employment-related challenges, including unpaid salaries and work injury disputes. Staffed by a full-time community lawyer and programme coordinator, the law centre will also involve volunteers from Pro Bono SG, SG Cares Volunteer Centres, and other organisations dedicated to migrant worker welfare. This initiative stems from a partnership agreement signed on December 15, 2024, between NTUC and…

In a significant crackdown on migrant smuggling, Turkish authorities have arrested 31 suspects, including 9 foreign nationals, and apprehended 981 irregular migrants during the nationwide ‘Kalkan-35’ operation. The operation, which took place across Turkey, involved extensive checks on 366,838 individuals and inspections at 15,250 different locations. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared details of the operation on social media, noting the scale of the effort, which included inspections of abandoned buildings, public venues, truck garages, terminals, and transport stations. The operation was coordinated by various authorities, including the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices, the Directorate of Migration Management, and the General Directorate…

California’s Catholic bishops have issued a heartfelt statement expressing strong support for migrants as fears of mass deportations grow. With President-elect Donald Trump threatening large-scale deportations, the bishops turned to the powerful symbolism of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas, seeking her protection for the migrant community. The bishops’ statement, made on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, highlights the anxiety many immigrants are feeling as they face the potential for raids and deportations. The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to supporting migrants, particularly in this uncertain time. They emphasized that immigration policies should not only…

New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with Tom Homan, the incoming White House “Border Czar,” to address the city’s ongoing migrant crisis. The meeting, held at City Hall, focused on crime policies for migrants and the city’s role as a sanctuary city. Both Adams and Homan agreed that New York cannot be a “safe haven” for migrants who commit crimes. Adams stated he is considering using his executive powers to allow city law enforcement to work closely with federal immigration officials. He emphasized the need for collaboration between agencies to handle criminal activity within the migrant community. Despite New…

Greek authorities have launched an urgent investigation into the alleged beating and sexual assault of a 16-year-old Egyptian boy at the Malakasa migrant camp near Athens. The Supreme Court prosecutor initiated the inquiry following reports of abuse at the state-run refugee facility. Police have arrested four suspects, also Egyptian nationals aged between 16 and 21, who were living at the camp. They face charges of sexual assault and causing serious physical harm. Greek Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos condemned the incident, calling it “deeply abhorrent.” Deputy Migration Minister Sofia Voultepsi has announced a review of security measures in areas designated for…