Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The first group of migrants has been transferred from Lampedusa to Albania aboard the Navy ship Libra, marking the start of a new initiative led by Italy’s Ministry of the Interior. This effort, announced by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, aims to relieve pressure on Italy’s migrant facilities by relocating individuals to newly established centers in Albania. Last week, the centers in Schengjin and Gjiader were prepared and made operational to receive the transferred migrants. Minister Piantedosi had previously stated that the transfer of migrants would begin soon, with the first group being sent to the Albanian centers. The centers in…

The Irish bishops have called for a more welcoming approach towards migrants in a new statement titled A Hundred Thousand Welcomes? They urge the Republic of Ireland to defend the rights of immigrants, especially with immigration increasing and societal tensions rising. The bishops remind the nation of its own history of migration, from the Great Famine to recent economic struggles, as a reason to show compassion for today’s newcomers. This statement follows Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris’s pledge to implement stricter immigration policies after protests against asylum seekers. While the bishops acknowledge the challenges immigration brings, like housing shortages and…

Chin Nyap Fong, a naturalized Taiwanese citizen, secured the First Prize at the ninth Taiwan Literature Awards for Migrants with her piece “Titik Hitam Seorang Rika” (Rika’s Black Spot). Her story explores cultural differences and the search for recognition, incorporating languages like Indonesian, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Hakka to reflect Taiwan’s cultural richness. Along with the trophy, she was awarded NT$150,000 (US$4,660) in prize money. Chin, who also translated her own work into Chinese, expressed how Taiwan’s diverse culture inspired her writing. The Jury Prize went to Trần Minh Hợp for his Vietnamese-language work “Sự Sống” (Vitality), which also won a…

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has put many migrant workers in Lebanon, especially Nepalis, in a difficult situation. In Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Israeli airstrikes happen almost every night, leaving residents, including Nepali workers, scared. Kumari Kshetri, a domestic worker from Jhapa, has lived in Lebanon for 16 years. She says, “I haven’t been able to sleep because of the sound of bombs. Day and night, with just hours between strikes, it’s terrifying. You never know where the next one will land, or if you’ll survive.” Kumari worries about her son back home, fearing he may…

Greek authorities have successfully rescued 75 migrants stranded on a crippled boat south of the island of Crete during their dangerous crossing from North Africa to Europe. The rescue, which took place on Friday, involved a merchant ship responding to a distress call from the migrants. Greek coast guard officials escorted the rescued individuals to a southern port in Crete, although their nationalities remain unknown at this time. The migrants are believed to have embarked on the long and perilous journey from eastern Libya, a route that has seen an increase in use this year. Many of those attempting the…

Poland is preparing to establish 49 new “integration centres for foreigners” across the country, funded by the European Commission, to help address the growing number of migrants arriving in the country. These centres will offer comprehensive services designed to help newly arrived migrants adapt to life in Poland. According to the European Commission, the centres aim to provide standardized services and facilitate collaboration between local authorities, the government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The services offered at these centres will include Polish language courses, adaptation programs, psychological care, and legal assistance. One of the primary goals is to support migrants in…

Two newly established migrant reception centres in Albania officially opened on Friday, ready to receive migrants sent by Italy as part of a unique agreement between the two countries. This initiative is seen as a pioneering solution to the growing challenge of irregular migration to the European Union (EU). The centres, located in the port town of Shengjin and the nearby town of Gjader, were designed to handle migrants arriving in Italy, marking the first time a non-EU country has agreed to take in migrants on behalf of an EU member state. According to an Italian official, who spoke anonymously,…

Mohammad, a 70-year-old Syrian refugee, clearly remembers the moment when music became a central part of his life. At just nine years old, his older brother introduced him to the oud, a traditional Syrian instrument, sparking a love for music that would stay with him through the years. At school, he also learned to play the ney, another instrument common in the region, and together with his brother, they formed a music group. Music became a refuge for Mohammad, feeding his soul through good and difficult times. When the war broke out in Syria, Mohammad’s life changed dramatically. In 2012,…

The Netherlands has emerged as a key advocate for expediting the return of irregular migrants within the European Union (EU). Alongside Austria, the Netherlands is leading a coalition of 17 European countries pushing for reforms that would facilitate the swift return of migrants to their home countries. This coalition includes notable EU member states such as Germany, France, and Italy, as well as three Schengen Associated Countries (SACs)—Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The group has presented a “non-paper” to the EU, which outlines the need for a new legislative framework to replace the existing Returns Directive, emphasizing the responsibility of migrants…

Egypt has achieved notable success in combating illegal migration, as highlighted by Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty. During the launch of the fourth National Action Plan to Combat and Prevent Illegal Migration (2024-2026), he credited the effective coordination among various national agencies for this accomplishment. Dr. Abdel-Atty pointed out that Egypt has not seen any illegal vessels depart from its shores since 2016, indicating the strength of the country’s anti-smuggling initiatives. The new action plan builds on a decade-long strategy, aiming to enhance Egypt’s ongoing efforts to address illegal migration. The Foreign Ministry is committed to addressing migration issues, integrating…