Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to prioritize the interests of the youth in decision-making processes to enhance migration governance. Laurent De Boeck, Chief of IOM Mission in Nigeria, highlighted this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. Discussing the IOM 2022-2024 Impact Assessment on Migration, De Boeck noted that both internal and external migration remain high despite governmental efforts to address migration-related issues. He emphasized the challenges young migrants face, stating, “Statistically, there are still, unfortunately, young people who suffer from migration abuse and end up in…

In recent years, tens of thousands of migrants have used caravans as a means to cross Mexico. This week, about 3,000 migrants, carrying bags, water, and small children, braved the intense heat along a highway in southern Mexico, heading towards the US border in two groups. Despite the risks, these caravans offer a sense of security for those who cannot afford to pay smugglers or human traffickers for a safer journey. Leivi Galvna, a migrant from Honduras, expressed the determination shared by many, stating, “Whoever is in charge of the US government, we will continue the fight to be there.…

Polish Members of Parliament (MP) have approved a controversial measure authorizing security forces on the Belarusian border to use live ammunition against migrants. The new law, passed on July 12, allows soldiers, border guards, and police officers to fire live rounds “preventively” or in “self-defense” if anyone attempts to cross the border irregularly. This decision has sparked outrage among NGOs, who argue that the situation in the area is already tense and precarious. The law was approved by 401 MPs, with only 17 opposing it, and is now moving to the Senate for approval. According to the new legislation, border…

A study by the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, specializing in immigration issues, reveals that over 75% of sub-Saharan African migrants were pushed across the border into Tunisia. Thousands of these migrants are currently in Tunisia, aiming to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy in search of better life opportunities in Europe. The study, conducted between March and May 2024, involved a sample of 379 migrants from northern, central, and southern Tunisia. It found that 84.7% of the migrants entered the country without visas. Of these, 60% crossed through the shared border with Algeria, and 23% entered via…

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is organizing a significant meeting on July 24-25 in Rabat, Morocco. This event, titled “Regular Pathways for Human Mobility,” is part of the Africa Pillar of IOM’s Africa-Europe Flagship Initiative. The goal is to facilitate the orderly movement of people within Africa and between Africa and Europe. This meeting aims to reach a consensus on the scope and implementation of the initiative, highlighting the importance of safe, orderly, and regular migration as a driver of sustainable development. “Together, we embark on a journey filled with promise—a journey of bridging critical skills gaps, enhancing fiscal…

The French Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and North Sea has reported a troubling rise in migrant deaths at sea since the start of the year. As of July 20, 2024, there have been seventeen deaths, including two missing persons. This is a stark increase from the twelve fatalities recorded throughout all of 2023. The latest tragedy occurred on the night of July 18, when a Sudanese man died aboard a boat carrying 85 other passengers from Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan. French patrols managed to rescue the remaining migrants. Despite a stabilization in the number of boats setting sail over…

The National Unity Government (NUG) has appealed to the Thai Government to take action to support and protect undocumented Myanmar workers in Thailand. In a statement released on July 18, 2024, the NUG Ministry of Labour outlined several key measures they believe are necessary to improve the conditions for these workers. The NUG has urged the Thai Government to begin issuing Non-Thai Identification Cards, commonly known as Pink Cards, to undocumented Myanmar migrants without delay. These cards would enable workers to obtain legal recognition, allowing them to work, stay, and travel freely within Thailand. Additionally, the NUG has called for…

Thousands of migrants have been making their way through Mexico to reach the United States, driven by fears of potential border closures if Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election. Close to 3,000 migrants have crossed directly from Mexico to the US, according to a report by the Associated Press. For the past week, a significant number of migrants have been departing from the remote Mexican city of Ciudad Hidalgo, located near the Guatemala border. Many of these migrants have reportedly managed to travel further into Mexico, often using buses and trains, with the Mexican government easing restrictions for those…

Labour plans to prioritize asylum claims from migrants coming from “safe” countries like India, Vietnam, and Albania as part of its efforts to manage the high volume of cases after scrapping the Rwanda deportation plan. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to propose a change in the law that will allow the processing of asylum claims for those who have entered the UK illegally over the past 18 months. This new policy will overturn a section of the Tories’ Illegal Migration Act, which had prevented anyone arriving illegally since March 2023 from being granted asylum. Under the previous administration, these…

The recent unrest in Bangladesh has sparked concerns about the safety of Sri Lankan migrant workers residing there. Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, addressed these concerns in Parliament, confirming that none of the Sri Lankan workers have been harmed amid the chaos. Since 2019, a total of 2,835 Sri Lankans have been living in Bangladesh. Among them, 2,690 were sent as trainees, including 107 women and 2,583 men. Additionally, 145 Sri Lankans were sent as low-skilled workers, comprising 6 women and 139 men. Minister Nanayakkara emphasized that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangladesh is closely monitoring the…