Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the successful return of 131 Egyptian citizens from Libya after they were held in a detention centre. The repatriation took place on November 27 and forms part of Egypt’s continued efforts to protect its citizens abroad and ensure their safe return when they face difficult situations. According to an official statement released on Monday, the return followed sustained diplomatic efforts by the Egyptian Embassy in Tripoli. These efforts were carried out in close coordination with the relevant Libyan authorities, leading to the release of the detained Egyptians and arrangements for their safe…

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has begun implementing a new project in Belarus aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to respond to a possible increase in migrant arrivals at its borders. The project focuses on improving preparedness, coordination, and migration management systems, especially in situations where border pressure may rise. The initiative, titled “Strengthening the Capacity of the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus in Response to a Possible Increase in Migrant Arrivals at the Border,” is being carried out in cooperation with Belarusian authorities. According to information released by the State Border Committee, the project is…

Six UK immigration officers have been charged with serious criminal offences after an investigation found they were allegedly involved in stealing money from migrants and laundering the proceeds. The charges follow a Home Office investigation into misconduct that reportedly occurred between August 2021 and November 2022, raising significant concerns about the abuse of power within the immigration system. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), all six officers have been charged with money laundering. Five of them also face charges of conspiracy to steal and misconduct in public office. The investigation led to the suspension and arrest of all six…

Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, the newly appointed chair of Britain’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has cautioned against portraying migration as a major threat to the United Kingdom. She emphasised that such framing contributes to the “demonisation of migrants” and creates difficulties for both migrants and ethnic minority communities living in the country. Her remarks come amid heated political debates over the UK’s relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), particularly in immigration cases. The ECHR, incorporated into UK law through the Human Rights Act, has been criticised by right-wing politicians who claim it restricts deportations of illegal…

Iran has announced new plans to make the visa process easier for Afghan citizens, as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations and reduce challenges faced by migrants. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting between Iran’s Deputy Ambassador and the Governor of Herat, where both sides discussed migration concerns, trade cooperation, and regional stability. According to a statement from the Herat provincial government, Iran’s Deputy Ambassador, Seyed Hossein Mortazavi, met with Sheikh Mawlavi Islamjar, the Governor of Herat. The meeting focused on improving the conditions of Afghan migrants in Iran, strengthening diplomatic relations, and expanding economic and trade…

The United States Department of Homeland Security has increased its financial incentive for undocumented migrants who choose to leave the country voluntarily, raising the payment from $1,000 to $3,000. The offer applies to migrants who register with the US government and depart the country on or before December 31, 2025, according to an announcement reported by CBS News. The move is part of the Trump administration’s wider immigration enforcement strategy. DHS said migrants who qualify for the program will also receive free airfare back to their home countries. In addition, certain civil fines and penalties linked to unlawful presence in…

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fired shots during a tense arrest operation in St. Paul, Minnesota, after an undocumented Cuban migrant allegedly struck two federal agents with an SUV, U.S. officials have confirmed. According to an email statement sent to ABC News by Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the incident occurred early Sunday morning, December 21, when ICE agents attempted to arrest the migrant outside his apartment complex. During the operation, the suspect reportedly resisted arrest and used his vehicle to hit two agents. Officials said the ICE agents identified themselves after spotting the man entering his…

Most of the Catholic bishops recently appointed in the United States by Pope Leo have openly criticised former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, particularly his administration’s treatment of migrants. At least ten of the thirteen U.S. bishops appointed so far by Pope Leo have publicly supported better care, protection, and fair treatment for immigrants. This growing trend is expected to influence how the Catholic Church in the U.S. approaches immigration issues in the coming years. Among the new appointments is the Archbishop of New York, who will replace conservative Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Many of the new bishops have described…

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Auckland electorate office of Immigration Minister Erica Stanford in Browns Bay on Thursday, calling attention to what they described as continued migrant exploitation and a lack of action from the government. The protest was organised by the Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG) and supported by several migrant and workers’ rights groups. Groups at the protest included the Migrant Workers Association NZ, Migrante Aotearoa, United Filipino Bus Drivers, Migrant Rights Network and the International Migrant Alliance. Protesters said they were demanding fair treatment, better protections and stronger policies to stop the abuse of migrant workers…

Greek authorities have rescued hundreds of migrants in two separate sea operations off Gavdos island, Greece’s southernmost territory, highlighting the continued dangers faced by people traveling across the Mediterranean. The rescues took place in the early hours of Friday, according to officials, with support from the Greek Coast Guard and the European Union’s border agency, Frontex. In the largest operation, a boat carrying 545 migrants sent out a distress signal while sailing near Gavdos. Emergency teams responded quickly, deploying three Greek coast guard vessels, three Frontex ships, and three nearby civilian boats to assist. After several hours at sea, all…