Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

EU home affairs ministers gathered in Luxembourg on Thursday to discuss new strategies for handling irregular migration, including the creation of deportation hubs outside the European Union. These discussions were driven by far-right political gains across Europe, which have pushed migration issues to the forefront of the political agenda. One of the key proposals on the table is the establishment of “return hubs,” which would house rejected asylum seekers outside the EU pending deportation. France’s new Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, emphasized that no potential solution should be dismissed outright as the EU explores innovative ways to tackle the migration crisis.…

Spain is increasingly looking to immigrants to help drive its economy as the country faces significant demographic challenges. Many asylum seekers, like Michael from Ghana, find themselves in northern Spain, where they have the opportunity to start anew after fleeing violence in their home countries. Michael’s journey to Spain involved perilous travel from Ghana to Morocco, followed by a dangerous crossing to the Canary Islands. Now, he sees his presence in Spain as a chance to continue his studies in human resource management and contribute positively to the society that welcomed him. In 2023, more than 42,000 undocumented migrants arrived…

On International Mental Health Day, Panos Mylonas, a psychologist with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Athens, highlights the deep mental health crisis faced by refugees and migrants in Greece. He emphasizes the emotional toll of the asylum-seeking process, which often requires individuals to continuously justify their suffering to access basic rights like safety. Many migrants and refugees arrive in Greece with traumatic backgrounds, having faced violence, torture, and imprisonment. Panos notes that the additional trauma encountered during their journey exacerbates complex mental health issues. Common struggles include suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, and hopelessness, fueled by an uncertain future as many…

Tourists visiting Italy are increasingly finding that their traditional pasta and pizza dishes are being prepared by foreign workers, highlighting the significant role migrants play in the country’s culinary industry. In 2023, a notable 34% of newly hired cooks and pizza makers in Italy came from outside the European Union. This is a sharp rise from the 23% recorded in 2014, according to research conducted by Milan’s Bocconi University. These non-EU workers are essential to the functioning of many restaurants, especially in the mid-range and lower-end sectors, where they take on roles that many Italians may be unwilling to fill.…

The African Union (AU), the Government of Rwanda, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have joined forces to address the critical situation of asylum seekers and refugees in Libya. With over 55,000 individuals registered with the UNHCR, approximately 4,700 people are currently trapped in dire conditions inside detention centers in Libya. These individuals urgently require evacuation to ensure their safety and access to essential support. The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 10, 2019, in response to the escalating security crisis in and around the Libyan capital, Tripoli. This agreement was facilitated by…

A group of 64 Sri Lankan migrants is currently in limbo on the Chagos Islands, facing uncertain futures as they protest against what they describe as prison-like conditions at a G4S-operated camp. These migrants have been stranded for years, waiting for news regarding their status as Britain prepares to hand over control of the archipelago to Mauritius. The situation on the Chagos Islands has drawn attention as the migrants voice their frustrations over the harsh living conditions. Reports indicate that they are living in overcrowded facilities with limited access to basic necessities. As they await updates on their fate, their…

Sister Rosita Milesi, a 79-year-old nun from Brazil, has been awarded the prestigious Nansen Refugee Award by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This annual award recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting and supporting displaced people. Sister Milesi, a member of the Scalabrini nuns, has devoted her life to advocating for the rights of refugees and the internally displaced in Brazil, using her background as a lawyer and social worker to make a significant impact. Why was Sister Rosita Milesi recognized for this award? For over 40 years, she has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts…

In recent years, the world has seen ongoing conflicts that have caused a surge in migrants heading toward Europe. Germany, one of the key destinations for these migrants, has taken significant steps to manage this situation. The increasing flow of immigrants has raised concerns about security, both within the country and at its borders. In response, Germany has decided to introduce stricter rules on migration to ensure better control of its borders and to maintain safety. Why is Germany tightening its migration rules? The growing number of migrants arriving in Europe has put pressure on the resources and security of…

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for new European Union rules regarding the management of asylum seekers and irregular migrants to take effect by 2025, one year earlier than originally planned. This urgent request comes in response to a significant increase in migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands. At the same time, countries like Hungary and the Netherlands are attempting to opt out of the EU’s asylum regulations. The new EU regulations, which were adopted in May, are intended to redistribute the responsibilities of hosting migrants among the 27 EU countries and expedite the deportation of individuals who do…

The leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Daniel Peters, recently stated that Germany should adopt the migration policy used by Italy. This remark came as he prepared for an official visit to Rome. Peters highlighted that Italy’s new approach to migration is a significant step towards balancing national interests and European security concerns. He believes that Italy has set a positive example for Germany to follow. Peters pointed out that Italy’s agreement with Albania shows a strong commitment to addressing both national and European migration challenges effectively. He noted that Italy has established a…