Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Libya has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 166 Nigerian migrants through a voluntary return program, a significant effort coordinated by the Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya’s Southern Region, with key support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This operation, conducted at Sabha International Airport, aimed to help stranded Nigerian citizens return home safely. Libya’s commitment to aiding these migrants underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by many African migrants in North Africa who are often stranded in difficult conditions. The recent repatriation effort involved complex coordination between Libyan authorities and international organizations, highlighting a collaborative approach…

Israel’s approach to migrant labour, particularly within the agricultural, care, and construction sectors, has faced challenges over the years. The country initially took significant steps in the 1990s to address issues arising from circular migration programs. These programs had allowed workers to come to Israel on temporary work visas, but with a range of problems, from illegal broker fees to restrictions on mobility that led to worker exploitation. In response to legal challenges and rulings from Israel’s Supreme Court, the government took action to improve conditions. This included efforts to stop the illegal recruitment fees that migrant workers had to…

After Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, both Vatican leaders and U.S. bishops expressed a mix of hope and concern. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, offered his congratulations and hopes that Trump would work to unify the deeply divided country. Reflecting on the contentious election campaign, Parolin stressed the importance of wisdom in leadership, a value deeply rooted in Catholic teachings. Parolin remarked that the new president must strive to be the leader of all Americans, not just his supporters. He emphasized the need to heal the polarization that marked the election, which continues…

INTERPOL recently announced the initial results of its largest anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling operation to date, named Operation Liberterra II. This extensive effort spanned 116 countries and territories, taking place from September 29 to October 4. The operation led to the rescue of 3,222 potential victims of human trafficking and the identification of 17,793 irregular migrants, highlighting the scale and severity of the global trafficking crisis. To carry out the operation, police forces conducted large-scale raids, strengthened security at key border points, and monitored close to 24,000 flights. Officers were deployed to areas known for high rates of trafficking…

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024,  an Italian navy ship carried eight migrants back to Albania as part of Italy’s controversial plan to process asylum seekers outside its borders. This effort comes after a previous group of migrants was returned to Italy following legal complications. The move is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s strategy to curb dangerous sea crossings by relocating asylum seekers to managed camps in Albania. The first transfer of 16 migrants in October faced immediate challenges. A Rome court ruled that the migrants could not be detained in Albania due to concerns about their legal status, prompting…

Türkiye has increased efforts to strengthen border security along its 295-kilometer eastern border with Iran to stop illegal crossings, migrant smuggling, and possible terrorist threats. This initiative, which started in 2021, has made good progress, with 70 percent of a protective wall in Van province already finished. The plan is part of Türkiye’s larger strategy to better manage its borders and reduce illegal activities. Officials in the Van province have highlighted the project’s initial steps, which focused on clearing the land of mines to prepare the area for construction. The new modular concrete wall is topped with a meter-high layer…

Australia’s High Court recently ruled against laws that required migrants to wear electronic tracking devices and adhere to curfews, marking a significant legal setback for the government. The court’s decision, made by five out of seven judges, found that such measures were unconstitutional. The ruling highlighted that punishment should only be imposed by judges, not lawmakers and that the government’s approach to controlling migrants violated this principle. The government had initially defended the measures, arguing that electronic monitoring and curfews were necessary to ensure public safety. These laws were passed hastily in December following a previous High Court ruling that…

In his victory speech following the election, President-elect Donald Trump made a firm promise to tackle immigration and enhance border security. Speaking to supporters at a watch party in Florida, Trump stated that improving the nation’s borders would be a key priority. “We have a country that needs help and it needs help very badly. We’re going to fix our borders and we’re going to fix everything about our country,” Trump declared in West Palm Beach. Trump’s message included a commitment to “seal up” America’s borders, while still allowing legal immigration. “We want people to come back in, but they…

Illegal migration is impacting Scotland daily, despite its distance of 466 miles from the English Channel. This issue was highlighted by Graham Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, during the 92nd General Assembly of Interpol in Glasgow. Speaking to BBC Scotland, Biggar confirmed that while the main crisis is centered around the Channel, migrants are also arriving via flights into airports such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, showcasing the widespread nature of the problem. Biggar emphasized that migration challenges are not limited to southern England, stating, “It is certainly an issue for Scotland. The main issue may be occurring…

In a significant setback for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s migration strategy, a Sicilian court ruled on Monday that Egypt cannot be considered a “safe” country for the expedited return of asylum seekers. This decision affects the government’s plans to fast-track asylum applications from migrants arriving in Italy. The ruling from the Catania court came just a month after the Italian government had updated its list of “safe” countries, which included Egypt. According to the court, however, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has set a precedent that a nation must demonstrate “general and constant” security to qualify as safe.…