Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
Ministers from five Mediterranean nations, including Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Spain, known as the MED5 nations, have united to urge the European Union to strengthen bilateral agreements with countries of migrant origin and allocate additional resources to address the root causes of migration. The interior and migration ministers from these nations gathered on Gran Canaria Island to discuss the recent adoption of the EU parliament’s new migration and asylum pact on April 11. This pact, developed over years, signifies a substantial overhaul of the EU’s asylum policies, with the aim of streamlining border procedures and establishing shared responsibility among…
A comprehensive study conducted by Lighthouse Reports, FT, El Pais, and Unbias the News has shed light on the significant challenges encountered by migrant graduates in European Union labour markets. The research underscores the prevalence of “brain waste,” where highly qualified migrants often find themselves in low-skilled jobs or unemployed, despite their educational backgrounds. The study reveals a concerning trend across most European countries, where educated migrants encounter difficulties in securing employment opportunities commensurate with their qualifications. This phenomenon not only affects individual migrants but also imposes potential costs on labour markets and economies at large. Livia Umbelino, a 32-year-old…
The Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline in the UK, operated by the charity Unseen, has reported a staggering increase in calls in 2023, marking a concerning trend of rising exploitation and abuse. According to Unseen, the helpline received a record number of calls in 2023, marking the fourth consecutive year of increase. The figures reveal a 19 percent rise, with calls soaring from 9,779 in 2022 to 11,700 in 2023. The surge in calls coincides with a disturbing 30 percent increase in potential victims identified within the UK adult social care sector, reflecting the pervasive nature of modern slavery and…
United Nations experts have raised concerns over the exploitation and mistreatment of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia, urging the Malaysian government to take immediate action to protect their rights and well-being. In a statement to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), the UN-appointed experts expressed dismay at reports of Bangladeshi migrants being lured to Malaysia with false promises of employment, only to discover they had been deceived by fraudulent recruitment schemes. The experts highlighted the alarming trend of criminal networks profiting from the recruitment of migrants through deceptive practices, including the creation of fake companies and exorbitant recruitment fees that push migrants…
Cyprus faces accusations of migrant pushback to Lebanon as tensions escalate over the influx of migrants arriving on its shores. Amid a surge in migrant boats originating from Lebanon and Syria, Cyprus has implemented new restrictive policies, sparking controversy and international concern. Recently, three boats carrying predominantly Syrian migrants departed from Lebanon’s coast near Tripoli, aiming to reach Cyprus. However, they were intercepted by Cypriot authorities at sea, leading to allegations of mistreatment and forced return. Migrants reported being stranded without sufficient food and water, with the Cypriot Coast Guard denying their pleas for supplies. Ahmad, a Syrian refugee with…
In a significant legal development, crew members from migrant rescue ships embroiled in a lengthy legal battle with Italy over accusations of aiding human traffickers in the Mediterranean are poised to make their case before a Sicilian court on Friday. The outcome of this pivotal court session holds the potential to vindicate the accused after seven years of intense scrutiny and legal proceedings. In Italy, a contentious case has unfolded, sparked by allegations from an ex-policeman aboard one of the charity ships. This has led to extensive investigations and wiretapping of key personnel, including lawyers and journalists. Lasting several years,…
Slovakia has aligned itself with Poland and Hungary in rejecting the implementation of the new EU Migration Pact, sparking renewed tensions within the European Union. Prime Minister Robert Fico declared Slovakia’s refusal to abide by the pact’s rules, signaling ongoing discord despite the European Parliament’s recent approval of the pact. The EU Migration Pact, which has been years in the making, aims to address the divisive issue of migrant relocation among member states. However, countries like Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary have expressed staunch opposition to mandatory relocation measures, particularly concerning asylum seekers arriving in frontline states along the…
Paris authorities have undertaken the clearance of a significant migrant squat situated in the southern suburb of Vitry-sur-Seine. This action comes with just 100 days remaining before the commencement of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The makeshift camp, which had taken root at the site of an abandoned bus company office, served as a temporary shelter for around 450 migrants. Among them were young men and mothers with small children, many of whom possessed documents and were awaiting social housing allotments. The eviction operation, orchestrated by police, unfolded amid mounting concerns from rights groups and aid organizations. These groups fear that…
In a recent parliamentary development, Britain’s contentious proposal to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda has encountered a hurdle. The House of Lords has introduced amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill, sending the legislation back to the House of Commons for further review. This unexpected delay is stirring debate over the ethical implications and legal intricacies of the government’s migration policy. The government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had anticipated smooth sailing for the bill. However, the resistance in the upper house, where the Conservatives lack a majority, highlights the challenges ahead. Despite this setback, there is still an expectation…
Massachusetts has initiated the relocation of 68 families, comprising both migrants and unhoused residents, from Bedford to the Lowell Inn and Conference Center, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to streamline emergency shelter services and aid asylum seekers. The transfer, which has been in the works for months, was delayed due to repairs on the fire safety system at the Lowell shelter. However, state officials have confirmed that all families will be moved to the Lowell facility by the end of April. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the state to consolidate emergency assistance shelter…