Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
Kerala has recorded a major rise in school enrolment among children of migrant workers under its Jyothi education scheme. In just one year, enrolment increased by 3,226 students, showing strong progress in inclusive education. Official figures show that the number of migrant children enrolled in schools rose from 21,299 in the 2023–24 academic year to 24,525 in 2024–25. The increase highlights the impact of focused government policies aimed at ensuring no child is left out of education. The Jyothi scheme was introduced to address long-standing challenges faced by migrant families, especially children who often miss out on schooling due to…
Nearly 20,000 migrant truck drivers have filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) over plans to cancel their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The drivers say the move could leave them without jobs and disrupt essential services across the state. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday by the Asian Law Caucus and the Sikh Coalition, along with a private law firm. It aims to stop the DMV from revoking non-domiciled CDLs starting January 5, 2026. According to the complaint, the cancellations could cause widespread work stoppages in the transport sector. The legal action represents the Jakara Movement…
A 30-year-old Afghan migrant is facing a prison sentence after pleading guilty to sexual offences against three women in Southampton. The man also admitted to entering the United Kingdom illegally. Sohail Amiri appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, January 5, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault involving two women. He also admitted to the attempted sexual assault of a third woman. A further charge relating to sexual assault was denied, and the prosecution accepted his plea. The offences took place on September 23 and November 25 last year in different areas of Southampton. One incident…
A Wisconsin judge has resigned after being convicted of obstructing the arrest of a migrant in her courtroom. The resignation follows growing political pressure and threats of impeachment from Republican lawmakers in the state. Hannah Dugan, a judge at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, submitted her resignation on Saturday, according to media reports. She was convicted last month for helping a migrant avoid arrest by US immigration authorities while appearing before her in court. Prosecutors said Dugan tried to help a Mexican migrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Flores-Ruiz was in court on domestic violence charges…
The UK government has announced new border laws that allow authorities to seize mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants arriving by small boats. The policy is aimed at disrupting people-smuggling networks and reducing irregular migration into the country. Under the new rules, police and immigration officers will confiscate phones at the Manston processing centre in southeast England. The seizures can take place even if the migrant is not arrested. Authorities say the information found on phones, such as messages, contacts, and navigation data, could help trace smuggling routes and identify those organising illegal crossings. The move is part of…
A boat carrying around 200 migrants has sunk off the northern coast of Gambia near Jang village. The migrants were attempting to reach Europe through a dangerous sea route when the incident happened. The boat reportedly sank late on Wednesday night. According to local authorities, at least seven migrants have been confirmed dead, while dozens are still missing. Rescue efforts began immediately after the incident was reported. So far, officials say 96 migrants have been rescued alive. Search and rescue teams are still working to locate those who remain missing. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as…
A leading migrant support organisation in Trinidad and Tobago has welcomed the government’s decision to allow all migrants in the country to register for regularisation. The move has been described as a positive and important step for migrants living in uncertainty. Andreina Briceño Ventura-Brown, head of the La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, said the announcement brings hope to many migrants, especially Venezuelans. She explained that the new registration programme will allow migrants to live and work legally in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry of Homeland Security announced that migrant registration cards will be issued between January 1 and September 30,…
The British government has announced new and stricter English language rules for migrant workers applying for work visas. The changes will take effect from January 8, 2026, and will affect migrants planning to move to the United Kingdom for skilled jobs. Under the new rules, applicants for skilled worker visas must pass certified English language tests. These tests will cover speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Migrants will be required to take the exams at approved testing centres before their visa applications can be accepted. The government has clarified that the new requirements will only apply to new visa applicants. Migrants…
The leader of a nationalist group formed to oppose migrant transfers from Germany to Poland is set to stand trial. Robert Bąkiewicz, head of the self-described Border Defence Movement, is facing several criminal charges linked to his actions and statements against migrants, Germans, and Polish border officials. Polish prosecutors have confirmed that Bąkiewicz has been formally indicted. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison. The charges include insulting public officials, defamation, and inciting hatred against migrants and people of German nationality. Bąkiewicz is a well-known figure in Poland’s far-right movement. He previously led the National…
In southern Italy, a social hostel known as “Dambe So,” meaning “house of dignity,” is helping migrant farm workers regain respect, safety, and a sense of belonging. Located in San Ferdinando, in the province of Reggio di Calabria, the project offers decent housing to seasonal agricultural workers who are often forced to live in unsafe and overcrowded camps. Every morning, migrant workers staying at Dambe So leave early, riding bicycles for long distances to work in citrus fields across the region. Some cycle up to 20 kilometres a day, while others wait by the roadside hoping for transport. Despite long…