Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The UK government has introduced new immigration rules banning migrant care workers from bringing their children and partners with them when they come to work in the country. The changes, announced by Home Secretary James Cleverly on February 19th, are part of the government’s plan to “deliver the biggest-ever cut in migration.” The new rules, taking effect on March 11th, will prevent visa sponsors in the adult social care sector (SOC occupation codes 6145 and 6146) from being able to bring dependents to the UK. The ban applies to new migrants coming to fill care worker and senior care worker…

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom concerning its proposal to implement a Rwanda asylum law. Expressing deep-seated concerns about the potential ramifications of the UK’s plan on the rule of law and human rights standards, Turk particularly highlighted the importance of upholding UN Human Rights. Turk’s cautionary statement comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions within Rwanda itself. The Rwandan government has recently sounded alarms about the possibility of an impending conflict with neighboring nations. This heightened state of alert underscores the delicate geopolitical landscape within the…

Abraham Tesfai, a 34-year-old Eritrean migrant turned activist, shares his harrowing journey from fleeing Eritrea to becoming an advocate in Bologna, Italy.After escaping his homeland due to oppressive conditions and the risk of persecution, Tesfai journeyed through Sudan, Libya, and the Mediterranean Sea. His experience mirrors the perilous path endured by many migrants seeking refuge in Europe. In Sudan, Tesfai encountered both hospitality and hostility, ultimately finding temporary shelter in a refugee camp before relocating to Khartoum. Despite the challenges posed by oppressive regimes and human traffickers, he pressed on, driven by the hope of securing a better future. The…

In Berlin, the distressing rise in refugee attacks is unveiled through newly released government data. Shockingly, authorities recorded 2,378 crimes against refugees or refugee shelters in 2023, nearly double the figure from 2022. This highlights a troubling escalation in violence targeting vulnerable populations. The sharp rise has sparked concerns over rising anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by far-right rhetoric and restrictive policies. 2023 saw the most attacks on refugees since 2016, along with the highest number of crimes against refugee shelters since 2017. 313 of the recorded incidents involved violent assaults, while 219 individuals suffered injuries. Critics link the surge to crackdowns…

A 31-year-old American man has admitted to attacking two women, one fatally, near Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle in June 2023. As his trial began Monday, the defendant expressed deep remorse but conceded to the murder, rape and attempted murder charges against him. The victims, both 21-year-old American students visiting Germany after graduating university, were hiking near the Marienbrücke bridge on June 14th when the assailant approached them. Allegedly persuading them to follow him off trail, he then pushed one woman down a slope and strangled and raped her unconscious. When the other woman intervened, he shoved her down the ravine…

In Greiz, Germany, the small town in the eastern region has introduced a controversial prepaid cards debit system for allocating benefits to asylum seekers instead of cash, aiming to prevent them from sending money abroad or falling victim to human traffickers. Under the new scheme, asylum seekers receive the bulk of their €496 monthly benefits via prepaid cards, specifically a prepaid Mastercard that can only be used at stores within Greiz. About €100 is paid out in cash for additional expenses. Over 200 of Greiz’s 730 asylum seekers have transitioned, with more to follow. Proponents like local administrator Martina Schweinsburg…

With its strong economy and wealth of opportunities across sectors like engineering, IT, healthcare and renewable energy, Germany is an attractive destination for international job seekers. However, succeeding in the German job market requires an understanding of the local norms and expectations around finding and landing roles. This comprehensive article provides crucial tips and advice for international workers seeking to launch their careers in Europe’s largest economy. Where to Find Open Positions Visa Considerations for Non-EU Citizens Perfecting Your German CV Preparing for Job Interviews Onboarding Tasks Once Hired With preparation and persistence, you can overcome the nuances of the…

In Bremen, Germany, a Nigerian couple has been ordered by a German court to repay €33,000 in welfare benefits to the Bremen job center after it was discovered they had been living abroad for years while fraudulently collecting payments. According to the Lower Saxony-Bremen Social Court ruling, recipients of state welfare benefits must be able to prove their whereabouts to authorities if doubts arise. The burden of proof falls on the recipients, not the job center distributing the aid. The Nigerian pair had been registered in Bremen and had collected basic welfare benefits from the job center since 2014. However,…

The German city of Hamburg, has taken the lead as the first state to start issuing prepaid Visa cards loaded with welfare benefits to asylum seekers, known as prepaid benefit cards. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to overhaul and streamline refugee payment systems. The “SocialCard” pilot program was launched on Thursday by Hamburg’s social welfare authority. Newly arrived refugees over the age of 18 who qualify for benefits will now receive a reloadable Visa card. It will be preloaded each month with €185 ($199) for individual adults and an extra €10 per child. The prepaid benefit cards…

Germany is facing a growing problem of school dropout rates and lack of skilled workers, according to new statistics. The country currently has over 1.7 million job vacancies, with massive demand in sectors like healthcare, construction, IT and education. However, over half of the 4.8 million unemployed lack vocational qualifications and 25% do not have a high school diploma. International organizations like the OECD have long criticized Germany for high school dropout rates. In 2022, 12.2% of 18-24 year olds in the EU did not complete school or training, with Germany ranking fourth worst out of 27 countries. The problem…