Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The discovery of nine migrant bodies in a boat off northern Brazil has prompted authorities to believe they were en route to the Canary Islands. Among the deceased, individuals from Mali and Mauritania are presumed to be among the victims. The boat, discovered adrift off the coast of Pará by fishermen on April 13, was likely carrying “at least” 25 people when it departed, likely from Mauritania. Documents and objects found nearby indicate the victims hailed from Mauritania and Mali, though other nationalities may also be involved. Experts suggest the vessel, resembling a Mauritanian fishing boat, may have intended to…

Migrants in Italy are confronting escalating discrimination, as highlighted in a recent report from Centro Astalli, the Jesuit service for refugees in Italy, published on April 18, 2024. Moreover, the report underscores a troubling trend of diminishing asylum rights for refugees within the country. The report highlights restrictive policies towards migrants, including those aiming to dissuade departures towards the EU, such as the deportation agreement with Albania. Additionally, 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for migrants attempting to reach the EU via Mediterranean routes, with 8,541 individuals losing their lives worldwide, including 3,105 in the Mediterranean Sea during attempted…

In a significant legal development, an Italian court in Trapani, Sicily, has ruled to dismiss charges against the crews of three humanitarian organizations involved in migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The case, known as the “Iuventa case,” has concluded after nearly seven years, with all 10 defendants acquitted due to lack of evidence and absence of criminal activity. The defendants, including crew members from German NGO Jugend Rettet, Save The Children, and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), were facing allegations of aiding and abetting migrant smugglers while carrying out rescue missions off the coast of Libya and in the Mediterranean…

The Thailand government has issued a stern warning to migrant workers hailing from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, who were employed under a four-year memorandum of understanding (MoU), to depart from Thailand before the end of April or potentially face legal repercussions due to visa expiration. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang emphasized the necessity for these migrant workers to leave the country before April 30, as their visas are set to expire, and failure to do so could result in charges of overstaying. The MoU, facilitating labor cooperation between Thailand and its neighboring countries, permitted Thai employers to hire workers from…

Germany is set to implement a novel approach to attract skilled workers from around the world with the introduction of an opportunity card, slated to come into effect from June 2024. This initiative aims to streamline the process for job seekers by allowing them to stay in Germany and explore employment opportunities without the constraints of a permanent job contract. Under the new system, skilled foreign nationals who have their overseas qualifications fully recognized are eligible to obtain the opportunity card without additional special requirements. Unlike traditional visa processes, applicants will not need to provide proof of a permanent job…

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…