Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

At least 42 migrants are feared dead after a rubber boat carrying 49 people capsized off the Libyan coast, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM). Only seven people survived the disaster after spending six days drifting at sea before being rescued by Libyan authorities. The IOM reported that 29 of the missing were from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria. Among the survivors, four were Sudanese, two Nigerian, and one Cameroonian. The agency described the tragedy as another reminder of the dangers faced by those attempting to reach Europe through unsafe routes.…

The Indonesian government has praised the nation’s migrant workers as “heroes of foreign exchange,” highlighting their vital role in supporting the country’s economy. Speaking at the National Heroes Day commemoration in Jakarta, P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin described migrant workers as “foreign exchange fighters” who contribute significantly to national growth while striving for a better life abroad. Mukhtarudin emphasized that these workers deserve recognition not only for their perseverance in supporting themselves and their families but also for the foreign exchange earnings they generate for Indonesia. “The contribution of migrant workers as a driver of foreign exchange will remain a key pillar…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted that the UK’s controversial two-child benefit cap could be scrapped in the upcoming budget, signaling a major step in his plans to reduce child poverty. Speaking to ITV, Starmer said he is “determined to drive child poverty down” with measures including free school meals, breakfast clubs, and free childcare. The two-child benefit cap currently limits child benefit payments to the first two children in a household. Scrapping the policy would allow families with more than two children to claim benefits for all their children, at an estimated cost of around £3 billion. The move…

The Italian city of L’Aquila in Abruzzo has recently become a destination for migrants, sparking political and social debate. Many of the arrivals, mostly young people, have been guided to the town not by official channels but through social media platforms such as TikTok. Posts, videos, and voice notes shared online have created informal “maps” that direct migrants to specific locations. Migrants often arrive early in the morning outside government buildings, waiting silently with few belongings while hoping to request international protection. Many spend hours on benches, bus stop seats, and other makeshift shelters before the prefecture opens. At first,…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intensified efforts to curb irregular migration, stopping 294 Nigerians without valid travel documents from leaving the country and turning back 332 undocumented migrants at the Seme border. In addition, 36 victims of human trafficking and child labour were rescued during recent operations. Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, revealed these results at a stakeholders’ seminar in Abuja on the theme “Evolving Patterns in Smuggling of Migrants: Towards a Coordinated National Response.” She described the growing trend of Nigerians seeking to leave the country irregularly — popularly known as “Japa” — as concerning, highlighting…

A new migrant reception center in Vinchiaturo, Italy, is drawing political attention due to its proximity to two schools. Located in the town’s industrial area in the Molise region, the facility has 100 places for adult men. Residents and politicians have expressed concerns about safety and the impact on local life. Angelo Primiani, a regional councillor for the 5-Star Movement, said he was “genuinely perplexed” about placing a migrant center so near a nursery school and a high school. He added that the presence of the center has caused worry among students, parents, and residents who regularly visit the area.…

The Trump administration is looking for new ways to increase the number of deportations in the United States. Reports show that deportations are not meeting the target of one million per year, so officials are considering a plan to hire private bounty hunters. These hired workers would be paid to find undocumented migrants and confirm their home or work addresses. The idea was revealed in a document obtained by The Intercept. According to the report, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) wants private companies to help track people on its deportation list. These companies would receive information on 10,000 migrants…

In Maharashtra, India, 55 migrant families have received solar home lighting systems through a new community project. The initiative, known as the Solar Home Lighting project, was carried out by Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra with support and donor funding from Salesian Missions in the United States. The goal was to help families who were living without safe and reliable electricity. Before the project, many families were depending on unsafe and illegal electrical connections or kerosene lamps. These methods were dangerous, costly, and often failed to provide enough light for daily needs. Most of the families lived in temporary shelters in…

Labour unions in Finland say that some tourism companies in Lapland are violating workers’ rights as the winter tourism season begins. The Service Union United (PAM) and the Finnish Hospitality Association (MaRa) report that they have received several complaints from seasonal migrant workers who say they were misled about their job conditions. The issue is concerning because many workers travel to Lapland every winter for temporary jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tourism activities. According to the unions, some companies are not respecting labour laws or the collective agreements intended to protect workers. The complaints suggest that the workers were promised…

The chief of the Greek Coast Guard and three senior officers will face trial over the sinking of a migrant boat in 2023 that left nearly 650 people dead. The decision comes after survivors and human rights groups pushed for a new investigation. A naval court of appeals reopened the case, saying there was enough evidence to move forward with criminal charges. The Adriana, a fishing trawler carrying as many as 750 migrants, sank off the coast of Pylos on June 13, 2023. Many on board were fleeing conflict and hardship in countries like Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, and Palestine. The…