Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Banksy, a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director, has taken credit for a striking piece of art that appeared during Glastonbury Festival, featuring an inflatable boat filled with dummies designed to resemble migrants crossing the Channel. The artwork made its debut above the crowd during the Idles’ performance on the Other Stage at Worthy Farm on Friday night and reappeared during rapper Little Simz’s set on the Pyramid Stage the following day. The renowned artist later confirmed his involvement by posting a video of the boat on his Instagram page. The installation, which coincided with the Idles…

Migrant workers in Singapore are set to benefit from improved social and recreational facilities as the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) partners with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Starting August 1, 2024, NTUC will operate three Recreation Centres (RCs) – Penjuru, Terusan, and Tuas South – for a three-year term. This partnership aims to better meet the social and recreational needs of migrant workers. In a press release dated June 28, MOM announced the decision to appoint external partners to operate the RCs, enhancing the diversity and quality of offerings. NTUC was chosen as the first partner due to its…

Officials from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have pledged to improve the recruitment of African migrant workers in the digital era. The two Regional Economic Communities (RECs) agreed on this collaboration during a regional tripartite conference on labour migration, held in Kampala, Uganda, from April 16 to 18, with support from the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP). Hon. Davinia Esther Anyakun, Uganda’s State Minister for Gender Labour and Social Development, emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide, provide essential skills training, and ensure protection mechanisms against…

The Director of the Interior Minister’s Office in Libya, Abdulwahed Abdessamad, and the Head of the Border Guard Apparatus, Mohamed Al-Marhani, recently met with a European Union delegation. This delegation was led by the EU Ambassador to Libya. The primary focus of their meeting was to discuss important issues related to migration and border management between Libya and the EU. This collaboration is crucial for addressing the ongoing challenges faced by both parties. One of the main topics during the meeting was the potential cancellation of exit visa fines for illegal migrants. This cancellation would apply to those participating in…

Australia has announced a significant increase in student visa application fees, aiming to reduce migration and maintain the integrity of its educational export sector. Starting July 1, the visa application fee will rise from A$710 to A$1,600, a 125% increase. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil explained that this move is part of a broader effort to create a fairer and more manageable migration system that benefits Australia. Australia’s international education sector is among the largest globally, generating about A$48 billion annually, accounting for 7% of the country’s total exports. According to the Grattan Institute, international graduates make up a third…

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has expressed gratitude towards Libya and Tunisia for their significant role in supporting Italy’s efforts to combat illegal migration. Piantedosi credited the decrease in illegal migrant arrivals in Italy via sea routes to the proactive measures taken by Libya and Tunisia to curb departures from their territories. The collaboration between Italy, Libya, and Tunisia extends beyond preventing departures; it also includes joint operations for rescuing migrants at sea. This concerted effort aims not only to control illegal migration but also to prevent human trafficking and reduce the risks of maritime disasters, which often lead to…

Turkey’s recent deportation of 103 Nigerian nationals has brought to light significant issues concerning visa expiration and irregular migration. Catherine Udida, director of migration affairs at the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), played a pivotal role in overseeing the reception of these deportees at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Despite expecting 110 deportees, only 103 arrived, as mentioned by Udida and represented by Tijani Ahmed, federal commissioner of NCFRMI. “Some of them have been in the deportation camp for some months, and now that they are here, we are hoping to follow up…

In a strategic move aimed at curbing irregular migration and bolstering Egypt’s economy, the European Union (EU) has finalized a deal to provide up to €1 billion in macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Egypt. The agreement, signed during the EU-Egypt Investment Conference in Cairo, marks a significant step in their partnership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the transformative potential of this financial aid, stating, “One hundred days ago, we opened a new era in the relations between Egypt and the European Union, with our strategic and comprehensive partnership. Today, we deliver.” The €1 billion funding is intended to…

The African Union (AU) is emphasizing a paradigm shift in how migration is perceived, urging stakeholders to prioritize it as a developmental opportunity rather than solely a security issue. This call comes as the AU validates a three-year implementation plan for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of the Labour, Employment and Migration Division at the AU, stressed that African migration should be viewed through a developmental lens. He highlighted that migration and human mobility in Africa offer opportunities for development rather than being seen as problems to solve. The GCM implementation plan…

In a heated exchange during their recent presidential debate, U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump clashed over immigration policies, each blaming the other for the ongoing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border. The debate highlighted their sharply contrasting approaches to border security and immigration reform. Trump criticized Biden for the increase in illegal crossings and accused him of opening up the border to individuals with criminal backgrounds. In response, Biden pointed to a 40% decrease in illegal crossings since his administration implemented executive orders aimed at tightening border security. He emphasized that his policies were making a positive…