Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Rescue teams are in a serious search for over 100 missing migrants off the coast of Djibouti, following a tragic incident where smugglers forced them into the sea. The UN migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), confirmed on Wednesday that at least 45 bodies had been recovered from the waters. This latest incident adds to the growing death toll, making 2024 the deadliest year on record for sea crossings between East Africa and Yemen. The two boats involved in the incident had departed from Yemen, carrying a total of 310 migrants who were hoping to reach Djibouti. According…

Portugal has made a significant shift in its immigration policy by ending the practice of allowing migrant workers who arrive illegally to stay in the country while applying for work permits. Deputy Minister Rui Armindo Freitas, responsible for immigration policy, explained that this change aligns Portugal with broader European regulations. However, critics from non-governmental organizations argue that this decision caters to populist pressure and highlights the disorganized nature of the country’s immigration policies. Freitas stated that the previous loophole, which allowed migrants to enter the country and apply for permits afterward, led to a backlog of around 400,000 applications. The…

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN Women have joined forces to advance the rights, protection, and empowerment of women in migration policies and humanitarian responses. With women making up 48.1% of international migrants, they face specific gender-related challenges during migration, including greater risks of discrimination, violence, and trafficking. Historically, migration governance has overlooked these gendered issues, but this new partnership aims to change that by focusing on gender equality in all aspects of migration and displacement contexts. Migrant women often face precarious working conditions, particularly in informal sectors like domestic work, agriculture, and care services. They are also…

On September 30, 2024, in Cairo, the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees was officially launched, marking a significant step in supporting those in need. Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the Egyptian government, the United Nations, and the European Union in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. The initiative seeks to provide relief and protection to vulnerable individuals, who are often at risk of exploitation by criminal networks. Ambassador Berger announced the European Union’s contribution of EUR 12.2 million to support Egypt’s ongoing efforts…

Kemi Badenoch, a prominent figure in British politics, has expressed her desire to reduce migration to the United Kingdom. In a recent interview, she stated that many migrants treat Britain like “a sponge,” suggesting that they come to the country without contributing positively to society. Badenoch, who previously showed promise as a leading candidate for the Conservative Party leadership, has seen her chances diminish in light of rising competition from former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, especially during the ongoing Tory conference in Birmingham. In her interview on the Today program, Badenoch emphasized the importance of ensuring that migrants coming to…

In a troubling escalation, Iran has intensified its deportation of Afghan migrants, with reports indicating that hundreds are sent back to Afghanistan daily, often under harsh conditions. Many of these individuals crossed into Iran illegally to escape the brutal rule of the Taliban and the dire humanitarian crises in Afghanistan. Upon arrival in the border town of Islam Qala, deportees have recounted their mistreatment by Iranian authorities, describing their experiences as akin to being treated like criminals. Yaqub Mohammad, a deportee, told RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi that Afghan migrants are often rounded up and taken to camps, where they are provided…

A recent boat accident off the coast of Tunisia has resulted in the loss of at least 12 lives, including three infants. The tragedy occurred near the island of Djerba, where the overcrowded vessel sank while carrying migrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. The Tunisian coast guard managed to rescue 29 individuals from the sinking boat, but the incident has raised concerns about the dangers migrants face during their journeys. The Human Rights Observatory, a local organization, shared that most of the migrants on board were Tunisians, with two Moroccans among them. This incident highlights the…

France’s newly appointed junior minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, has expressed the government’s determination to push for stricter migration policies within the European Union. In his first interview since taking on the role, Haddad emphasized the growing demand among EU citizens for better control over immigration. He highlighted that while this doesn’t mean completely closing borders, it does involve stricter criteria for residency and ensuring the removal of individuals who are not authorized to stay. Haddad pointed to the start of Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as European Commission president as an opportunity to re-evaluate the EU’s current immigration…

The Catholic Church in Israel is providing essential help to Christian migrants and asylum seekers through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. As many struggle to find stability and security, the Patriarchate, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has extended its pastoral care to these vulnerable communities. The Patriarchate’s Vicariate for Migrants and Asylum Seekers (VMAS), established in 2021, has been assisting up to 85,000 individuals who face numerous challenges living and working in Israel. Sister Gabriele Penka, the administrator of VMAS, highlighted the difficulties migrants face, particularly in securing employment and legal recognition. Many are required to present a payslip to…

An Italian NGO, IPSIA-ACLI, has recently opened a new center in Bihac, Bosnia-Herzegovina, dedicated to helping unaccompanied migrant minors and vulnerable individuals. This center, which is part of the Balkan Route – Assistenza in Transito (BRAT) project, was established with the support of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency. The facility is named in honor of Adriano Poletti, a former mayor in Italy, known for his work with the Associazioni Cristiane Lavoratori Italiani (ACLI). His legacy of aiding communities in need continues through this important project. Once fully functional, the center will provide shelter and support for up to 32 people.…