Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
Migration deals between Europe and Africa have become more common in recent years as European countries try to reduce the number of irregular migrants arriving at their borders. These agreements often involve African countries helping to stop migrants before they reach Europe. In return, Europe promises financial aid, development support, and closer political cooperation. While these deals are presented as partnerships, many people question who truly benefits from them. From Europe’s side, the main benefit is stronger border control. European governments use these deals to limit dangerous sea crossings and reduce pressure on their asylum systems. By working with African…
Sweden has recorded a 30 percent reduction in asylum requests between 2024 and 2025, following tougher immigration laws introduced by the current government. The sharp decline comes after the centre-right government, backed by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, took office in 2022 with a promise to tighten migration controls. For many years, Sweden was known for its welcoming approach to refugees, offering some of the most generous support systems in Europe. However, rising concerns over crime, social integration, and gang-related violence have pushed both left- and right-wing governments over the past decade to gradually tighten asylum and immigration rules. Speaking at…
Lithuania’s new head of the Migration Department, Indrė Gasperė, has said the country plans to tighten its migration rules to prevent abuse of the system, but not to reduce the number of migrants entering the country. She made this known during an interview with LRT Radio shortly after assuming office. Gasperė explained that the focus of the policy shift is better control of migration procedures. According to her, stricter rules are needed to stop third-country nationals from exploiting legal loopholes, submitting forged documents, or misusing residence permits. She stressed that the aim is not to discourage migration but to ensure…
The United Kingdom has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians and other migrants, saying anyone caught working without proper authorisation will be arrested, detained, and deported. The warning comes as the UK intensifies immigration enforcement nationwide. According to UK authorities, enforcement actions against illegal workers have increased sharply, with immigration raids now at record levels. Officials said workplace inspections are being intensified, especially in sectors known to employ migrant labour. In a statement shared on social media on Friday, the UK Home Office said those found working illegally would face immediate consequences. “Those caught working illegally in the UK will…
One migrant has died, and six others were taken to the hospital after a boat carrying 143 migrants was rescued off the Canary Islands. The vessel was intercepted on January 6 about 26 kilometres off the coast of La Gomera, the smallest and most remote island in the archipelago, according to emergency services. Rescue teams recovered one person dead from the boat, while six migrants were rushed to the hospital with serious symptoms of hypothermia. Among those hospitalised were three minors, highlighting the vulnerability of children and teenagers on dangerous sea journeys. Officials said the boat was carrying 143 people…
At least 39 people have died after a boat carrying migrants to Europe capsized off the coast of Gambia on New Year’s Eve, according to government officials who spoke to Reuters. The tragedy happened along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes, used by many West Africans trying to reach Spain through the Canary Islands. Gambia’s Defence Ministry earlier reported that only seven people had died, but officials later confirmed that the death toll has risen sharply. They said the boat was badly overcrowded and in poor condition. Survivors described it as old and unsafe, with too many people on…
The Election Commission has announced that migrant workers from West Bengal who are living and working in other states will be allowed to take part in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearings online. This decision is expected to bring relief to around 22 lakh migrant workers who are registered as voters in Bengal but cannot travel home for physical verification. According to officials, migrant workers who are digitally skilled will not need to attend the SIR hearing camps in person. Instead, they will be able to submit their documents online through a new portal that is yet to be launched. The…
The Trump administration says it is committed to protecting unaccompanied migrant children from trafficking and abuse. However, a new investigation has revealed that for the past three months, some migrant teenage boys have been locked inside a high-security juvenile detention facility in Pennsylvania that has a long record of physical and sexual abuse claims involving staff. The facility, Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, is known for holding juveniles charged with or convicted of serious crimes. State inspection records show at least 15 cases since 2013 where staff were accused of physically abusing children. There have also been multiple allegations of…
Hungary’s government has stated that its migration policy is working well and will remain unchanged. György Bakondi, the prime minister’s chief domestic security adviser, stated during an interview on Hungary’s public television channel M1. He said the policy has protected the country and served Hungary’s national interest. Bakondi said many decisions taken by the European Union go against the interests of European citizens. He mentioned EU policies on war, energy, and migration as examples. In contrast, he said Hungary’s migration approach has delivered clear results, and more countries are now starting to admit this. He pointed out that in some…
The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to install more than 500 miles of floating buoys along the Rio Grande to stop migrants from crossing into the country. The announcement was made in McAllen, Texas, as part of President Donald Trump’s renewed border security drive. The plan expands on a strategy first used by the Texas state government. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that 130 miles of the water barriers are already under contract and installation has begun. She made the statement during a visit to the Rio Grande Valley, where she met with border agents…