Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

A boat carrying around 200 migrants has sunk off the northern coast of Gambia near Jang village. The migrants were attempting to reach Europe through a dangerous sea route when the incident happened. The boat reportedly sank late on Wednesday night. According to local authorities, at least seven migrants have been confirmed dead, while dozens are still missing. Rescue efforts began immediately after the incident was reported. So far, officials say 96 migrants have been rescued alive. Search and rescue teams are still working to locate those who remain missing. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as…

A leading migrant support organisation in Trinidad and Tobago has welcomed the government’s decision to allow all migrants in the country to register for regularisation. The move has been described as a positive and important step for migrants living in uncertainty. Andreina Briceño Ventura-Brown, head of the La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, said the announcement brings hope to many migrants, especially Venezuelans. She explained that the new registration programme will allow migrants to live and work legally in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry of Homeland Security announced that migrant registration cards will be issued between January 1 and September 30,…

The British government has announced new and stricter English language rules for migrant workers applying for work visas. The changes will take effect from January 8, 2026, and will affect migrants planning to move to the United Kingdom for skilled jobs. Under the new rules, applicants for skilled worker visas must pass certified English language tests. These tests will cover speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Migrants will be required to take the exams at approved testing centres before their visa applications can be accepted. The government has clarified that the new requirements will only apply to new visa applicants. Migrants…

The leader of a nationalist group formed to oppose migrant transfers from Germany to Poland is set to stand trial. Robert Bąkiewicz, head of the self-described Border Defence Movement, is facing several criminal charges linked to his actions and statements against migrants, Germans, and Polish border officials. Polish prosecutors have confirmed that Bąkiewicz has been formally indicted. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison. The charges include insulting public officials, defamation, and inciting hatred against migrants and people of German nationality. Bąkiewicz is a well-known figure in Poland’s far-right movement. He previously led the National…

In southern Italy, a social hostel known as “Dambe So,” meaning “house of dignity,” is helping migrant farm workers regain respect, safety, and a sense of belonging. Located in San Ferdinando, in the province of Reggio di Calabria, the project offers decent housing to seasonal agricultural workers who are often forced to live in unsafe and overcrowded camps. Every morning, migrant workers staying at Dambe So leave early, riding bicycles for long distances to work in citrus fields across the region. Some cycle up to 20 kilometres a day, while others wait by the roadside hoping for transport. Despite long…

Education opens doors to opportunity, empowerment, and long‑term success — especially for migrants and refugees who face financial and social barriers. In 2026, a growing number of organisations, universities, and international agencies are offering scholarships and educational programs specifically designed to support displaced learners. These opportunities range from fully funded master’s degrees at world‑class universities to regional scholarships for vocational training and secondary education. One of the most notable opportunities is the UNIV’R Scholarship Program 2026, a fully funded initiative in partnership with UNHCR and Sciences Po University in Paris. This scholarship is reserved for refugees residing outside the European…

Migrant healthcare workers across Ireland are increasingly living in fear due to rising incidents of racist abuse, threats, and violence, according to a Mayo-based doctor who says the situation is taking a severe toll on their mental health, personal safety, and sense of belonging. Medical leaders warn that the growing climate of fear could seriously damage Ireland’s reputation as a welcoming country and undermine future recruitment into an already stretched health system. Dr Liqa Ur Rehman, founder of the Irish Society of International Doctors, said migrant doctors and nurses are experiencing deep anxiety, depression, and constant safety concerns. He described…

Ireland is preparing to introduce a major crackdown on what authorities describe as the abuse of English language schools as a “backdoor for immigration.” The move comes as the government plans to reduce the overall number of student visas issued for English language courses, amid growing concern that some institutions are being used mainly to secure work access rather than provide genuine education. The Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless, said some English language schools currently operate as little more than a “tick-box exercise,” allowing individuals to meet visa requirements without receiving proper academic training. He said the government is…

Irregular migration to the Greek island of Crete has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with official estimates showing that nearly 21,000 undocumented migrants arrived by sea by the end of the year. The sharp increase has placed heavy pressure on temporary accommodation facilities and local authorities, particularly in the cities of Heraklion and Chania. According to officials, irregular sea arrivals continued throughout December without any sign of slowing down. Giorgos Sfakianakis, president of the Union of Coast Guard Personnel of Eastern Crete, said the situation remains critical, especially during periods of good weather when boats arrive one after another. He…

Libya’s Interior Ministry has confirmed the deportation of a group of Nigerian migrants from Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, as part of the country’s ongoing national repatriation programme aimed at addressing irregular migration. In a brief statement, the ministry said the deportations were carried out after all required legal and administrative procedures had been completed. The operation forms part of Libya’s broader efforts to manage irregular migration and return undocumented migrants to their countries of origin. Officials noted that the repatriation programme is continuing and involves coordination between Libyan authorities and the relevant countries. The initiative is intended to reduce…