Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) successfully rescued 186 sub-Saharan migrants on Tuesday, who were stranded aboard a sinking boat approximately 30 kilometers south of Bir Gandouz, along the Atlantic coast of southern Morocco. The migrants had embarked on a perilous journey across the sea, but their vessel began to sink, putting their lives at severe risk. This rescue operation is part of the regular surveillance and assistance missions conducted by the FAR to secure Morocco’s coastline and prevent tragic incidents at sea. According to a statement from the FAR General Staff, the rescue was carried out under challenging conditions,…

As Europe faces significant skill shortages due to an aging population and declining birth rates, countries like Germany are adjusting their immigration policies to attract skilled workers. However, many highly educated immigrants already living in Europe find themselves working in jobs far below their qualifications, a situation referred to as “brain waste.” Recent studies, such as those conducted by Angela Dalmonte and Tommaso Frattini, highlight the challenges faced by skilled migrants in Europe. Despite having a similar proportion of university graduates compared to the native population, these immigrants often struggle with lower employment rates and are more likely to be…

Italy has experienced a sharp decline in illegal seaborne migration this year, according to new data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The latest figures reveal a dramatic 62 percent decrease in asylum-seeker arrivals to Italy, with approximately 35,700 people reaching the country so far this year. This is a significant drop from over 94,000 arrivals during the same period last year. Italy had previously seen a steady increase in migrant arrivals since 2020, with the numbers rising from over 67,000 in 2021 to more than 105,000 in 2022, and peaking at nearly 158,000 last year—the highest…

A migrant vessel carrying 66 people was intercepted off the Western Sahara on Monday, with Moroccan military authorities reporting the discovery of two deceased passengers on board. The boat was located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city of Dakhla and was intercepted by two Moroccan Navy vessels. The survivors, all from sub-Saharan African countries, received medical assistance before being handed over to local authorities. This tragic incident occurred as attempts to reach the Canary Islands have surged once again. The Spanish interior ministry reported that at least 21,470 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands between January and July of…

The General Administration of Coastal Security announced on Wednesday the successful rescue of 220 illegal migrants in territorial waters near the Bouri offshore oil field. The operation, which was a critical intervention, involved migrants from various nationalities, including women and children. They were found aboard a severely dilapidated boat, barely able to stay afloat, according to the official statement released on the Administration’s Facebook page. This situation highlights the extreme risks that migrants are willing to take in their desperate attempts to find safety and better opportunities. The rescue operation was initiated after the Coastal Security personnel identified the distressed…

Canada’s reputation for high salaries, excellent schools, stunning landscapes, and low crime rates has attracted over a million newcomers last year. The promise of a better life is strong, but the surge in post-pandemic migration has exposed a troubling side of the immigration system. Many migrant workers are now falling victim to scams that are costing them their life savings. These scams are particularly prevalent in Canada’s temporary foreign worker program. Migrant workers, desperate for a better future, are being targeted by unscrupulous employers and consultants who illegally sell them jobs. These jobs are often presented as a fast track…

The Berlin Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA), commonly known as the Ausländerbehörde, has implemented a new appointment booking system designed to prevent the illegal sale of appointments. This change follows the removal of the previous Online Appointment System (OTV) from the internet for maintenance, which aimed to curb the use of bots that book appointments and sell them to those in desperate need. Under the new system, individuals seeking to extend their visa or residence permit must now apply for an appointment via a contact form. Along with this application, they are required to digitally upload their relevant documents. Once these…

The population of Ethiopian migrants living abroad was estimated at over 839,224 in 2021, with an additional 589,110 individuals returning to Ethiopia. Many of these migrants, particularly women and girls, left their homeland in search of work opportunities but faced severe risks, including abuse, exploitation, and even servitude in foreign countries. Upon their return, these individuals often encounter significant barriers to reintegration and sustainable employment, making it difficult to rebuild their lives. The Thrive program was established to address these challenges, creating sustainable employment pathways for survivors of trafficking and other vulnerable groups. This initiative aims to reduce the prevalence…

The number of Nigerians living abroad has reached an estimated 17 million, according to Paola Pace, the Interim Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria. Speaking during an international migration dialogue hosted by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM), Pace highlighted that this significant diaspora population is a major contributor to the country’s economy through remittances. Drawing on the Nigerian government’s 2021 Diaspora Policy, Pace noted that the number of Nigerian emigrants has surged from 610,200 in 2000 to approximately 1.7 million in 2022. She emphasized the need for continuous capacity building and the…

Türkiye’s coast guard successfully rescued 22 irregular migrants, including a child, who were forced back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek authorities, according to an announcement made by the Turkish Coast Guard on Monday. The rescue operation took place on Sunday off the coast of Fethiye, a region located in the southwestern province of Mugla. This incident is part of a broader issue where Türkiye has become a critical transit point for migrants aiming to reach Europe, many of whom are fleeing wars, persecution, and dire economic conditions in their home countries. These migrants often undertake perilous journeys in search…