Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Tunisian authorities have arrested an Italian national accused of building a boat intended for irregular migration to Europe. The arrest, which took place in Monastir, a coastal city in east-central Tunisia, marks a rare instance of a European being detained in connection with the illegal migration routes that frequently depart from Tunisia. The 45-year-old Italian, whose name has not been disclosed, was working at a boat-building factory and reportedly constructed a vessel using plastic resin. This boat was intercepted by authorities as it was being used by migrants attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean to reach Europe. In addition…

Mauritania and Gambia have agreed on a ‘pilot project’ for circular migration © Fernando CALVO / LA MONCLOA/AFP. Source: RFI. Mauritania and Spain have agreed to strengthen their collaboration to manage the growing number of migrants making their way to Spain. This agreement was reached during a visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Mauritania, a key country in West Africa. The Spanish government has been facing a significant increase in migrant arrivals, especially to the Canary Islands. Both countries have expressed a commitment to work together to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration. They emphasized ensuring the fair and…

The UK health and care sector is facing significant challenges due to staffing shortages and skill gaps, exacerbated by rules that prevent migrant workers from accessing public benefits. A recent report from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) reveals that two-thirds of migrant nursing staff are considering leaving the UK because of the rising cost of living and financial strain. Many of these healthcare professionals are struggling to make ends meet due to low wages and the “no recourse to public funds” (NRPF) rule, which restricts migrants on temporary visas from receiving certain benefits. The RCN report, titled “Without A…

On Tuesday, more than 500 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats, according to the latest figures. This brings the total number of migrants who have made the perilous journey across the Channel to 19,820 so far in 2024. On that day alone, 526 migrants arrived on eight boats, marking the first arrivals since August 19, after a stretch of windy weather had temporarily halted crossings. A Home Office spokesperson expressed concern over these dangerous crossings, stating, “We all want to see an end to dangerous small boat crossings, which are undermining border security and putting lives at risk.”…

French authorities rescued 58 migrants, including nine minors, along the Normandy coast in the Dieppe region on Monday night and early Tuesday. The migrants, found in three separate groups, were taken into care by emergency workers and the Red Cross. The first group, consisting of 29 people, including two minors, was discovered late Monday night near Greges, a seaside resort close to the port of Dieppe. According to Bertrand Arent, the mayor of Greges, a large lorry was used to transport the group, which included migrants from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Eritrea. The mayor provided them with water and biscuits while…

In a collaborative effort to support sustainable development, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with backing from the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) programme, recently handed over newly renovated classrooms and a solar-powered borehole to the Uhi community in Edo State. This initiative, part of the Community Based Planning (CBP) project, aims to empower communities to address key factors driving irregular migration. Launched in November 2023, the CBP initiative was piloted in the Uhi community of Uhunmwode Local Government Area. It was created to help local communities actively participate…

Italy has intensified its efforts to crack down on humanitarian rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea under the government of Giorgia Meloni. This week, Italy seized the Geo Barents, a civilian search and rescue ship operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), marking the 23rd time a humanitarian vessel has been impounded. The ship was detained in the port of Salerno, near Naples, following the disembarkation of 191 rescued migrants. The Italian authorities ordered a 60-day detention for Geo Barents, claiming the ship endangered lives and failed to provide timely information during a night rescue operation. However, MSF strongly rejected these…

Pope Francis has made a strong statement against the mistreatment of migrants who risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. During his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on August 28, 2024, the Pope expressed deep concern about the actions of those who intentionally deny assistance to migrant vessels. He labeled this behavior as a “grave sin,” especially when done knowingly and with a sense of responsibility. His words emphasized the seriousness of the issue, describing it using Catholic terms for one of the most severe sins. The Pope has consistently spoken about…

Australia and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing support for Pacific migrant workers and their families who are part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The program, called “Family-Centred Assistance to PALM Workers,” was announced by Amy Pope, Director General of the IOM, and Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. This three-year regional pilot program seeks to address the opportunities and challenges associated with labour migration. It aims to assist migrant workers who are filling crucial labour shortages in Australia, facilitating their integration…

Iran is reportedly exploiting Afghan migrants through a new smart card scheme, charging nearly $1,700 for the right to stay in the country amid escalating deportations. According to a report by Ham-Mihan, a pro-reform newspaper in Tehran, the government requires Afghan migrants to purchase an expensive smart card to legally reside and work in Iran. This card, costing one billion rials, is mandatory for the head of the family and any male child over 18, making it the sole option for legal residency. The smart card policy, introduced in June last year, has been labeled as a money-making scheme by…