Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Authorities in Barcelona have announced a major step to manage the surge in migrant regularisation applications by opening a large processing centre at Fira de Montjuïc. The move is aimed at reducing long queues and speeding up administrative procedures for thousands of applicants. The initiative comes after Spain launched an extraordinary migrant regularisation programme in April, which could allow up to 500,000 undocumented migrants to gain legal status. In Catalonia alone, officials estimate that around 150,000 people may benefit from the scheme before it closes at the end of June. Since the process began, demand has overwhelmed existing offices across…

A fresh tragedy has struck the English Channel as two young migrant women lost their lives while attempting to reach the United Kingdom from France. The incident highlights the ongoing risks migrants face while making dangerous sea journeys in search of safety or better opportunities. The victims, believed to be around 20 years old and of Sudanese origin, were among about 82 people on board a small boat that departed northern France overnight. According to officials, the journey quickly turned into a crisis when the boat’s engine failed, leaving it drifting at sea. Emergency services managed to rescue 17 people…

The African Union has launched a new $16 million programme aimed at improving labour migration across Africa, marking a major step toward strengthening workforce mobility and economic growth on the continent. The initiative, known as the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), will run from 2025 to 2029. It is designed to improve migration policies, strengthen data systems, support skills recognition, and promote better protection for migrant workers across African countries. The programme is being coordinated by the African Union Commission in partnership with key international organisations such as the International Organization for Migration, the International Labour Organization, and German development…

A new political campaign launched by Nigel Farage has sparked strong criticism across the United Kingdom, with opponents calling it divisive and inflammatory. The campaign, introduced by Reform UK, centers on a hardline immigration message ahead of upcoming local and regional elections. The slogan, “Vote Green, Get Illegals,” has drawn particular backlash. Critics argue that it promotes anti-migrant sentiment and unfairly targets both migrants and political opponents, including the Green Party of England and Wales. As part of the proposal, Farage outlined plans to expand detention capacity for migrants, suggesting that up to 24,000 people could be held at a…

Nigeria has begun arrangements to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. The move comes after growing fears that the violence could escalate if urgent action is not taken. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, revealed that over 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary return. She added that more people are expected to come forward as safety concerns continue to rise. According to the minister, the evacuation plan is aimed at protecting Nigerians living in South Africa, many of whom have reportedly faced harassment, attacks, and destruction of their businesses. The government…

France is preparing to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, but officials admit they are running behind schedule as the June 12 deadline approaches. The new EU-wide rules will reshape how asylum seekers are screened, processed, and returned across member states. According to Laurent Nuñez, the government is working quickly to align national laws with the new EU framework. He warned that if France fails to act on time, a large part of its asylum laws could conflict with EU rules, which take priority over national legislation. To speed things up, the government is considering using executive orders…

At least 17 migrants have died after their boat broke down and left them stranded for more than a week in the Mediterranean Sea near Tobruk, highlighting once again the deadly risks faced by those attempting to reach Europe through one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes. The tragedy occurred off the coast of Libya, where a group of migrants drifted helplessly at sea for eight days after their vessel reportedly developed mechanical problems. According to the Libyan Red Crescent, only seven people were rescued alive, while 17 others lost their lives during the ordeal. Rescue operations were carried…

Tensions over immigration surged in Johannesburg on Wednesday as hundreds of protesters took to the streets, forcing several businesses to shut down and reigniting national debate over undocumented migration. The demonstration highlighted growing frustration among some South Africans over economic hardship, unemployment, and crime, which protest groups link to illegal immigration. The march, organised by the anti-illegal-immigration group March and March, drew support from multiple political and civic movements, including Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party, and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The turnout reflected a growing coalition of voices calling for stricter immigration enforcement across the country. Protesters initially…

A major demographic shift is reshaping Australia’s population, as migrants from India have officially become the largest foreign-born group in the country, surpassing those from United Kingdom for the first time in history. The development highlights both changing global migration trends and growing political tensions around immigration policy. According to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 971,020 people living in Australia were born in India, accounting for about 5.2% of the population. This figure slightly exceeds the 970,950 residents born in England, whose numbers have gradually declined from more than one million in 2013. The data reflects…

Kyrgyzstan has taken a major step to improve the safety and structure of its labor migration system with the opening of a new support center in Osh. The initiative is part of the government’s wider effort to ensure that citizens seeking work abroad are better prepared, protected, and supported throughout their migration journey. The new facility, officially launched on April 29, combines the functions of the Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad and a Pre-Departure Training and Migrant Reintegration Center. It is designed to serve as a one-stop hub for individuals planning to work overseas, offering guidance from the early…