Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Senegal’s navy recently intercepted nearly 600 migrants trying to leave the country in just ten days. This increase highlights how economic and political challenges push more people to take dangerous trips to Europe. On October 29, the navy’s patrol boat rescued 183 people from a wooden pirogue near Djiffer, a village on the western coast. The navy shared this news on its social media. This was the second major interception in a week from the Saloum delta, an area known for its channels and mangrove islands. Earlier, between October 26 and 27, another boat carrying 230 migrants was stopped about…

Seeking asylum in Cyprus, Poland, and Bulgaria has become increasingly difficult due to the alarming rise in pushbacks at the external borders of the European Union. Many migrants are experiencing harsh treatment as they attempt to find safety, with their stories revealing a disturbing trend of human rights violations. John, a 34-year-old from Nigeria, arrived at the Aglantzia camp in Cyprus in July. After three months, he and others from Cameroon, Sudan, Syria, and Afghanistan remained in the camp, having been denied the chance to apply for asylum. They were forcibly returned by the police to this makeshift UN facility…

Australia’s skilled migration system is designed to attract talented individuals, but many international students are finding it difficult to navigate. David, a young man from China, moved to Australia to pursue his master’s degree in business information systems. He was hopeful about staying in the country after graduation due to his IT background, which was in high demand. However, changes in the visa regulations turned his plans upside down. Initially, graduates from STEM fields enjoyed a five-year post-study work visa, but this was suddenly reduced to two years, leaving students like David scrambling for job opportunities right after graduation. The…

Migrants in New York City are facing rising fear as former President Donald Trump ramps up his campaign promises of a sweeping deportation push if he wins the 2024 election. His rhetoric about a so-called “migrant invasion” and pledges of “the largest deportation effort in American history” have sent waves of anxiety through migrant communities. At one of the largest migrant shelters in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, residents share their deep concerns about what the future may hold. In recent days, large WhatsApp groups among recent arrivals have been filled with speculation about life under another Trump presidency. Shelter residents spoken…

Canada is boldly shaping its immigration policy with the release of the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This plan outlines the government’s targets for permanent resident admissions and introduces new objectives for temporary residents over the next three years. Key Features of the Immigration Levels Plan For the first time, the plan will include targets for temporary residents, aiming to reduce their numbers to 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2026. Here’s an overview of the main components: Temporary Resident Targets Canada will also set targets for temporary residents in a…

In another tragic incident, four migrants attempting to cross the English Channel to reach the United Kingdom lost their lives. French authorities reported one fatality on Wednesday, with three additional bodies found later on beaches in northern France. This brings the 2024 death toll linked to these crossings to about 60, a grim indication of the mounting dangers migrants face. The deceased man was among a group of around 15 people who fell overboard off Hardelot, northern France. Though emergency responders quickly airlifted him to land, he was declared dead upon arrival. The man, aged 28 and possibly of Kuwaiti…

In Tunisia, the suspension of asylum application procedures by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) since June has left hundreds of migrants in limbo, stranded without legal support or access to aid. Among those affected is Eric, a 17-year-old migrant from Central Africa, who arrived in Tunisia last year with the hope of securing safety through international protection. For months, however, his asylum process has been halted, leaving him struggling on the streets. Eric, who initially received financial assistance from the Tunisian Council for Refugees (CTR) to cover basic living expenses, has been without support since April. When he reaches…

The European Union (EU) is cautiously reconsidering its stance on Syria, aiming to facilitate safe returns for Syrian refugees as a growing number of member states advocate re-engagement. Over the past decade, millions of Syrians have fled their home country due to the ongoing civil war. The EU initially responded by imposing sanctions on President Bashar al-Assad’s government, severing diplomatic ties, and relocating its staff to neighboring Lebanon. However, with intensified calls for safe returns, member states including Italy, Cyprus, and Austria are prompting a re-evaluation of current policies. During recent talks, EU ambassadors debated potential adjustments that could enable…

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), recently unveiled a strategic report titled “Refugee and Migrant Health System Review: Challenges and Opportunities for Long-term Health System Strengthening in Uganda.” Launched on October 15, this comprehensive plan underscores the urgent need to reinforce Uganda’s healthcare system to better support both refugee and migrant populations, as well as the host communities. Hosting over 1.6 million refugees, Uganda stands as Africa’s largest host nation for displaced people. Refugees are primarily located in settlements across northern and southwestern Uganda and within Kampala City, where they rely heavily on the…

As former President Donald Trump campaigns for the 2024 election, immigration—especially crime linked to migrants—has become a central theme in his messaging. Prominent sheriffs, such as Richard Jones from Ohio, have voiced support for Trump’s stance, arguing that crimes committed by immigrants are financially straining local taxpayers. However, when questioned further, Jones acknowledged he does not have evidence showing that immigrants in his area commit crimes at a higher rate than native-born citizens. Research consistently shows that immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than U.S.-born residents. Nonetheless, Trump’s campaign continues to highlight what he terms “migrant crime.” Trump…