Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
Amidst the ongoing Mediterranean migrant crisis, three individuals are feared missing at sea following a rescue operation conducted by the oil tanker Vault on Monday, March 25. The tanker, operating in international waters off the Libyan coast, intervened to assist 139 distressed people during the night. One woman was accounted for among the rescued group, comprising individuals from various countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Syria, Mali, Guinea, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. However, the three missing individuals, identified as men hailing from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Syria, were reported to have fallen into the sea during the transfer from their 12-meter boat to the…
In response to a reported surge in Vietnamese migrants attempting to cross the English Channel, the British government has unveiled a targeted social media campaign in Vietnam. The initiative seeks to dissuade individuals from undertaking perilous journeys by showcasing firsthand accounts of migrants who regret their decision to enter the UK illegally. The campaign features authentic testimonials, including stories from migrants identified as “K” and “B.” K recounts his experience. He admits to knowing the legal ramifications but was enticed by the promise of financial gain. He describes the harrowing journey from Calais, enduring arduous conditions and the coercion of…
The perilous journey across the Mediterranean claimed the lives of five migrants off Tunisia’s coast on Monday, adding to a week’s death toll of 11. Tunisia’s coastguard retrieved the bodies near the city of Sfax as part of ongoing efforts to curb the escalating migrant crisis in the region. The surge in migrant deaths underscores the challenges faced by authorities amidst favorable weather conditions, which have facilitated increased crossings from North Africa to Italy. Since Friday, Tunisian security forces have prevented over 3,000 migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, from embarking on the dangerous voyage to Europe. Monday alone saw 633…
Since the reinstatement of border checks along the Italian-Slovenian border on October 21st, Italian authorities have conducted stringent inspections on approximately 270,000 individuals and 150,000 vehicles entering the country, aiming to stem irregular migration. During these checks, authorities detected around 2,200 undocumented migrants, predominantly of Turkish, Moroccan, Syrian, Kosovar, Northern Macedonian, or Afghan origin. Over 1,330 of them were promptly returned across the border. Additionally, 118 individuals were arrested, with 65 facing charges related to aiding clandestine immigration. Despite the effectiveness of these measures, Italy, along with Croatia and Slovenia, is contemplating eliminating border checks by the onset of the…
In southwest Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported the grim discovery of a mass grave, revealing the bodies of at least 65 migrants. Despite the revelation, the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain shrouded in mystery. According to the IOM, these migrants likely perished while being smuggled through the desert, a harrowing reality that has sparked profound shock and alarm. The organization has urged Libyan authorities to launch a thorough investigation and ensure the dignified recovery, identification, and transfer of the deceased migrants’ remains from the mass grave, along with providing support to their families. This revelation comes amidst…
Amidst the ongoing challenges plaguing the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, a notable trend has emerged: a significant exodus of foreign nurses, with nearly 9,000 leaving the country annually. This departure, which has seen a sudden surge in recent years, is exacerbating the existing strain on the healthcare system and prompting concerns about the NHS’s ability to retain international healthcare professionals amidst escalating difficulties. The Guardian reports that the number of foreign nurses leaving the UK has doubled in just one year between 2021-22 and 2022-23, reaching a record high of 12,400 nurses departing the country. Of…
Germany has announced plans to accept 147 individuals from the war-torn Gaza Strip, citing urgent humanitarian reasons amid the ongoing Israeli military operation. Most individuals set to be relocated are reported to be local employees of German institutions. After thorough screenings, they will be granted temporary residential permits and transferred through Egypt. As the devastating situation in Gaza escalates, German institutions have been actively encouraging local staff to leave the region. The German Interior Ministry has confirmed that the admission process for these individuals will generally occur via Egypt. However, Germany’s decision to accept the 147 Gazans is contingent upon…
Continuing its commitment to assisting vulnerable Afghans, the German government has facilitated the departure of a group from Islamabad, Pakistan, destined for Berlin, Germany, as confirmed by the German Foreign Office. This initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to relocate Afghans deemed at risk, particularly those who collaborated with German agencies. German authorities did not disclose specific details regarding the number of individuals aboard the flight. However, the operation falls under Germany’s Admission Program (Bundesaufnahmeprogram), which aims to provide refuge to Afghan nationals facing various forms of persecution. Although approximately 1,400 Afghans have been accepted into the program,…
Ahead of Senegal’s imminent elections, scheduled for Sunday 24th of March 2024, the issue of migration has emerged as a central theme in the national discourse. Despite 12 years of Macky Sall’s presidency, the flow of young people attempting migration to Europe persists, driven by aspirations for better employment and a more promising future. Official statistics reveal that approximately half of Senegal’s 18 million population are under 18 years old, with many feeling disenchanted about their prospects within the country. The allure of Europe as a destination for a better life continues to grow among Senegalese youth, contributing to a…
In a significant development, the Channel has seen an unprecedented surge in migrant crossings, setting a new daily record for 2024. This has sparked concerns over safety and exacerbated immigration challenges between the UK and France. On Wednesday, more than 500 migrants traversed the Channel aboard ten small boats, according to official figures from the British government. According to UK government statistics, this surge continued into Thursday with an additional 263 arrivals. Since the onset of 2024, over 4,000 individuals have embarked on the perilous journey across the Channel, marking a notable increase compared to the same period last year,…