Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to reduce immigration by reforming the country’s points-based system. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Starmer laid out plans to overhaul visa policies, aiming to shift the burden onto businesses to train local workers rather than rely on foreign labor. His announcement came just hours after new data revealed that net migration had soared to an unprecedented high of over 900,000 in the year to June 2023. Starmer criticized the previous Conservative government, accusing it of mismanaging immigration and allowing policies that contributed to the sharp rise in migrant numbers. He labeled…

The Australian government has passed a set of new anti-migration laws, sparking widespread criticism from human rights groups and legal experts. Late Thursday, lawmakers approved three bills that drastically reshape the country’s immigration policies. These laws include measures that expand offshore detention, impose harsh penalties on individuals resisting deportation, and give immigration officials broad new powers. Critics argue that these policies violate international law and worsen Australia’s already tough stance on refugees and asylum seekers. The laws allow the government to pay third-party countries to detain noncitizens, including recognized refugees. These third countries are not required to follow international refugee…

The Shadow Home Secretary has called on businesses in the UK to focus on automation rather than depending on low-paid migrant workers. Conservative MP Chris Philp emphasized the importance of investing in technology to help reduce the country’s net migration numbers. He pointed to other nations as examples of how automation can drive growth without relying heavily on migrant labor. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Philp highlighted how countries like Australia and New Zealand have introduced robotic equipment for agricultural tasks, such as fruit and vegetable picking. Similarly, South Korea is leading in automation, using nine times more robots in manufacturing…

Another tragic incident happened near the Greek island of Samos on Thursday morning when a migrant boat crashed on the rocks. This accident killed four people, including two children and two women. It is the second fatal boat wreck in the area this week, showing the serious dangers migrants face while trying to cross the sea. According to reports, 16 passengers from Thursday’s wreck made it safely to the shore. Meanwhile, the Greek Coast Guard continues searching for more survivors along the northeastern coastline of Samos. It is not yet clear how many people were on the boat when it…

Human rights group Amnesty International has condemned FIFA’s 2022 Qatar World Cup legacy fund, calling it “shameful” for excluding compensation for migrant workers who suffered harm while preparing for the global event. FIFA announced that £39.4 million from tournament proceeds would be allocated to social programs, focusing on occupational health, education, and football development, in collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations Refugee Agency. FIFA described the initiative as “groundbreaking,” highlighting plans to address worker safety in extreme heat, a growing concern amid climate change. However, Amnesty pointed out that the fund fails to address…

A unique Chinese museum is shining a spotlight on migrant workers’ personal stories by displaying their heartfelt letters. These letters, often overlooked, provide a glimpse into the lives, struggles, and dreams of millions of migrants. The initiative brings much-needed attention to the human side of migration, showing the emotional and cultural impact on individuals and their families. Migration has always been a deeply personal journey, and these letters reveal the sacrifices migrants make for their families. Many letters highlight the difficulties faced while adapting to new environments, separated from loved ones. Others express hope for better opportunities, reflecting the resilience…

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied claims by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that they agreed to stop migration through Mexico to the United States. After a phone call between the two leaders on Wednesday, Trump posted on social media that Sheinbaum had agreed to “stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.” Sheinbaum quickly responded, saying Mexico’s position is not to close its borders but to manage migration while respecting human rights. She explained that during the call, she shared Mexico’s strategy for handling migration. She added that migrant caravans were being addressed within…

In a significant operation against human trafficking, Odisha police rescued 17 bonded labourers, including two children, from Bolangir district. The rescue occurred during a raid in Larki village, located in the Turekela area of the district. The group consisted of seven men, eight women, and two children, all from villages near Larki, including Bhutiarbahal and Kudasingha. Reports indicate they were being trafficked out of the state without proper documentation or registration. The police arrested two suspects, Madhav Sandha and Dhaneswar Nag, for their involvement in the trafficking scheme. The accused face charges related to illegal human trafficking and bonded labour.…

European nations are intensifying efforts to address the ongoing migrant crisis, implementing reforms aimed at managing the influx of refugees and irregular migration while preserving legal routes. This comes as migration becomes a pivotal issue influencing elections and public discourse across the continent. In Germany, political shifts are expected as voters prepare for elections in February. After years of controversy surrounding former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-border policies, the current coalition government has collapsed. Friedrich Merz, a hardline candidate, is leading the polls with promises to adopt stricter migration controls and a firm stance on Russia. Germany has been heavily impacted…

The Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department in Coimbatore has instructed employers of commercial establishments and private companies to register details of their migrant workers on the official portal. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive database to ensure adequate job security, and better living conditions, and address challenges related to migrant labor. Employers have been warned of strict action if they fail to comply with the directive. Coimbatore, a major industrial hub in Tamil Nadu, is home to a large workforce from states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Despite lakhs of migrant workers being employed across…