Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

In recent weeks, the UK has been rocked by violent riots, with far-right extremists targeting cities, mosques, and refugee hostels. The unrest, which began after the tragic stabbing of three girls in Southport on July 29, has been exacerbated by false social media reports linking the attack to a Muslim migrant. These misleading claims have fueled attacks on ethnic minorities and increased harassment across the country. The initial reports that linked the attack to a Muslim migrant were widely circulated by far-right figures, inciting widespread anger and violence. However, it was later confirmed that the attacker was a British-born teenager…

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) recently managed a successful operation to bring 166 irregular migrants back to their home country, the Gambia, from Tunisia. This repatriation took place on Wednesday and included six women among the returnees. The IOM’s office in Tunisia reported that these migrants will be provided with a special reintegration program when they return to the Gambia. This program is designed to help them adjust and integrate back into their communities smoothly. The repatriation is part of a broader initiative known as the European Union Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration in North Africa (MPRR-NA) program. This…

The African Union (AU) is mobilizing senior journalists across the continent to transform the prevailing narrative on labour migration. This initiative aims to address the negative perceptions that often overshadow the significant socio-economic contributions of migrant workers. The effort was highlighted during a recent two-day workshop held in Dakar, Senegal, organized in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ). Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of the AU’s Division of Labour, Employment, and Migration, addressed the workshop, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced portrayal of labour migration. He pointed out that much of…

The number of migrant workers coming to the UK has sharply declined due to recent visa restrictions, prompting the Home Secretary to request a review of international recruitment practices in key sectors. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is now urging the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to evaluate the impact of these restrictions on the technology and engineering fields. In July, the UK saw a significant drop in visa applications for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and students. Applications fell by over one-third compared to the same month last year, from 143,000 to 91,300, marking a 36% decrease. There was an even more…

In Tijuana, Mexico, the migrant shelters are currently well-equipped to handle a significant number of people, with over 2,500 spaces available. This information was revealed by Enrique Lucero, the head of the city’s Migrant Affairs Office. The increase in available space is attributed to a notable decrease in the number of asylum-seekers arriving in the region. This shift follows the implementation of new asylum restrictions by President Joe Biden’s administration. On June 4, 2024, President Biden issued an executive order aimed at reducing the number of asylum-seekers allowed into the U.S. This order requires migrants to secure an asylum appointment…

Cyprus is increasing security along the buffer zone to stop migrants from arriving. Officials explained on Wednesday that these measures are in response to more migrants coming from Turkey through the northern part of the island. This announcement comes at a time of escalating tensions with the United Nations over Cyprus’s handling of the migrant crisis. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has criticized the living conditions in buffer zone camps, which has prompted a strong response from Cypriot officials. Lampros Kaoullas, Director of the Deputy Ministry of Migration’s Office, emphasized that Cyprus has been providing humanitarian aid and…

Since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister, more than 4,000 migrants have crossed the Channel into Britain using small boats. This poses a major challenge for the new government. Home Office data shows that on Tuesday alone, 355 people made this risky journey, bringing the total number of arrivals since Labour’s General Election victory to 4,065. James Cleverly, the Shadow Home Secretary, has criticized the Prime Minister for this increase in migrant numbers. He blames the surge on the decision to end the Rwanda deportation plan. Cleverly believes that removing this deterrent has encouraged people smugglers, who are now exploiting…

As concerns about the treatment of Afghan migrants in Iran continue to rise, a top Iranian security official has issued a firm warning. On Wednesday, August 7, Ahmad Reza Radan, Chief Commander of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force, announced that all “unauthorized” migrants must leave Iran by the end of the year and return to their home countries. The IRNA news agency reported that any migrants attempting to cross borders will be arrested and sent to camps. This announcement follows a viral video that has sparked outrage, showing the arrest and torture of an Afghan migrant teenager by Iranian security forces.…

A tragic story has emerged from Mexico where ten African migrants were reportedly kidnapped, tortured, and held for ransom. According to authorities in Chihuahua, these migrants were found wandering along a highway south of Juarez, near the U.S. border. The group, consisting of four Sudanese and six Moroccans, was released by their kidnappers after their families paid a ransom. After their release, the migrants were taken to a shelter where they received medical and psychological assistance. The ordeal began when the migrants were abducted by a criminal gang. They were then subjected to torture as a means to extort money…

The Indonesian Navy intercepted a boat carrying 11 undocumented migrant workers returning from Malaysia near Tanjung Balai Karimun. The operation, conducted by the Lanal TBK F1QR unit, occurred early Tuesday morning in the waters of Kakeng Combol, Judah Sugi Island, Karimun District, Riau Islands Province. The naval unit received a report on Monday about the illegal migrants. The next morning, they apprehended the individuals and two crew members, identified as Az and Ed. Authorities also seized identification documents, the boat, and the belongings of the migrant workers. Lieutenant Colonel Anro Casanova, Commander of Lanal TBK, disclosed that a man named…