Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Greece is pushing for a new migration plan that involves setting up return centres in African countries for asylum seekers who are rejected in Europe. The country’s migration minister, Thanos Plevris, said the government wants to begin formal talks with several African nations to support this idea. For many years, Greece has been one of the main entry points into Europe for refugees, especially during the 2015–2016 crisis, when more than one million people—mostly from the Middle East—arrived through Greek borders. Although general migration numbers have dropped since then, new pressure is building on the southern islands of Crete and…

Indonesia’s incoming ambassador to Malaysia, R.M. Iman Hascarya Kusumo, has confirmed that protecting the welfare of Indonesian migrant workers will be a top priority during his tenure. Appointed by President Prabowo Subianto on October 8, Kusumo emphasized that the existing framework for migrant worker protection is in place but can be strengthened further to ensure safety and well-being. Speaking to Radio Republik Indonesia, Kusumo explained that his plan involves improving coordination between Indonesian and Malaysian agencies responsible for managing migrant labor. This cooperation aims to ensure that migrant workers receive proper guidance and support even before leaving Indonesia for employment…

French authorities are set to use large nets to stop small boats carrying migrants across the English Channel, despite warnings that the tactic could be dangerous and cause deaths. The move comes as the UK pushes France to take tougher action against illegal crossings. Since spring, some French law enforcement teams have been equipped with “arresting nets” up to 30 meters wide. These nets can block boat propellers, forcing vessels to stop or change direction. The nets can also be used to intercept boats involved in drug trafficking. Patrol teams will include maritime gendarmerie vessels, with French Navy support if…

Bangladesh has launched a national digital platform to make migration safer and promote fair recruitment practices for its workers abroad. The Overseas Employment Platform (OEP) brings together all key actors in the labour migration process, including aspiring migrant workers, licensed recruitment agencies, the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), employers, technical training centers, immigration authorities, and reintegration service providers. The portal was developed by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Switzerland. Officials say it will improve transparency, reduce reliance on informal middlemen, enhance service…

The British Government has instructed thousands of civil servants to track social media posts about migrants as part of new guidance aimed at countering what officials call “high-risk narratives.” The instructions come under the Cabinet Office’s Resist framework, which guides the Government Communications Service (GCS)—a network of 6,000 officials responsible for official messaging—on monitoring and responding to online content that could challenge government policy or spark public backlash. Officials are asked to flag posts concerning migrant housing, newly arrived asylum seekers, and specific ethnic groups. They are also told to monitor material that could polarize public debates or fuel social…

Greece and Germany are working together on a new plan to create “return hubs” in Africa for migrants who cannot go back to their home countries. The initiative focuses on people considered irregular or whose asylum claims have been rejected, rather than helping those applying for asylum for the first time. Greece’s Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris said in an interview with Greek public broadcaster ERT that the aim is to reduce illegal migration by making it harder to reach Europe. These hubs would be outside the European Union and would serve as a deterrent to irregular migration. The…

An Eritrean man named Mulugeta Tsegay has now settled down in Israel after showing great courage during the October 7, 2023, attack. His life changed forever when he helped save an Israeli officer who was badly wounded during the Hamas-led attack from Gaza. When he later visited the officer in the hospital, he asked, “Are you alive?” The officer answered, “I’m alive because of you.” This moment showed how powerful the bond between them had become. Tsegay is 51 years old and has lived in Israel for more than 15 years. He first came into the country through the Sinai…

The Indonesian government is developing a stronger empowerment program for migrant workers who return home after finishing their contracts. The Migrant Worker Protection Ministry (P2MI) said its focus is no longer only about sending workers abroad but also about supporting them when they come back. Minister Muktarudin explained that many migrant workers struggle to become financially stable after returning home, so the government wants to fix this gap. The minister noted that one of the most important efforts is teaching migrant workers financial literacy before they leave and while they are still working overseas. He said many migrant workers earn…

Two leading charities are taking the Home Office to court, accusing the government of keeping trafficking and torture survivors in overcrowded and “prison-like” migrant hotels. The Helen Bamber Foundation and Freedom from Torture said the current accommodation system is unsafe, harmful, and puts already traumatised people at further risk. They argued that survivors of severe violence should not be forced to share rooms with strangers, especially when many suffer serious mental health conditions. The case, set to be heard on Tuesday and Wednesday, challenges policy changes introduced in early 2024. The charities claim the Home Office made these changes without…

The UK government is facing strong criticism after a minister suggested that British-born children with immigrant parents could be deported under the new asylum crackdown. This came after Steve Reed, the Communities and Housing Secretary, refused to rule out removing families whose asylum applications have been rejected. His comments raised major concerns about how far the government is willing to go to increase deportations under the new immigration reforms. The new plans were revealed in a detailed 33-page policy document released by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Under the changes, families whose claims have been rejected will now be offered cash…