Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

A Sudanese man has been arrested following the deaths of four migrants during a dangerous attempt to cross the English Channel. The National Crime Agency confirmed that the 27-year-old suspect was detained at the Manston processing centre on suspicion of endangering lives during a sea journey to the United Kingdom. The tragic incident occurred off the coast near Calais, where migrants were attempting to board a so-called “taxi-boat.” Two men and two women, including siblings, died after being swept away by strong currents. Authorities said that while 38 people were returned to shore, 74 others continued the journey and reached…

The Vatican has announced that the 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees will focus on the protection of children affected by migration. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme “Even just one of these children” for the 112th edition of the global observance, scheduled for September 27, 2026. The theme is drawn from the Gospel of Matthew (18:5), which teaches that welcoming a child is an act of welcoming Christ. It reflects the Church’s message on the dignity and value of every child, especially those impacted by migration. The announcement was made on April 9…

The governments of Taiwan and the United States have reached a new agreement aimed at improving labor protections, including stronger safeguards for migrant workers. The deal, known as the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), includes a ban on the import of goods made using forced labour. This move aligns with Section 307 of the U.S. Tariff Act, which already restricts such products from entering the American market. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor, the country will adopt similar measures through its domestic laws. This means that goods produced under forced labour conditions will no longer be allowed into Taiwan. The…

Authorities in Lithuania have launched a major security operation after a group of migrants attempted to enter the country from Belarus through an underground passage. Border guards said around 30 migrants crossed illegally near the village of Baravykinès using a tunnel-like hole dug beneath the border. Surveillance cameras captured the group emerging one after another from the passage in what officials described as an “unusual” border breach. The migrants were mainly from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. In response, Lithuanian authorities deployed border guards, police officers, drones, helicopters, and dog units to track and detain those involved. Most of the group…

At least four people have died after a small boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Calais in France, authorities confirmed. The vessel, described as a “taxi-boat,” was attempting to transport migrants across the English Channel to the United Kingdom when it capsized. Local officials said a search and rescue operation is still ongoing, with the situation continuing to develop. In recent months, traffickers have increasingly used these so-called taxi-boats — fast-moving dinghies that pick up migrants along different points of the northern French and Belgian coastline — as a new method to avoid detection. The English Channel remains…

Authorities across Europe have dismantled a large criminal network responsible for smuggling more than 1,000 migrants from Vietnam to the United Kingdom through France. The operation, carried out on March 30, led to the arrest of 19 suspects — 16 in France and three in the UK — in a coordinated crackdown involving multiple European agencies. More than 40 migrants were also found during raids in France. Investigators say the network operated a complex system, with members handling finances, transport, and accommodation for migrants. Many of those smuggled were hidden in lorries traveling from northern France to the UK, while…

Authorities in Ethiopia have dismantled a major human trafficking network accused of causing the deaths of more than 100 migrants and exploiting thousands across Africa and beyond. According to officials, ten suspects, including the alleged ringleader, were arrested in the northern town of Shire in the conflict-affected Tigray region. The suspects have since been transferred to the capital, Addis Ababa, where investigations are ongoing. Police say the criminal network lured young people from countries such as Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia with promises of helping them migrate to Europe. Instead, many victims were taken to Libya, where they were…

Migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands have dropped significantly in early 2026, with new data showing an 82 percent decline compared to the same period last year. The sharp fall is linked to stronger migration control agreements between Spain, the European Union, and key West African countries. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, only 1,640 migrants reached the Canary Islands between January and March this year, compared to 9,424 during the same period in 2025. This continues a wider trend, as arrivals had already fallen by 62 percent across the whole of last year. The decline follows increased cooperation with countries…

The European Union is reportedly exploring up to 12 countries as potential locations for migrant “return hubs,” a new strategy aimed at managing irregular migration more effectively. This move comes after lawmakers approved a policy that allows rejected asylum seekers to be transferred outside EU borders while awaiting deportation. Countries under consideration include Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Montenegro, and Ethiopia. However, discussions remain at an early stage, with officials describing the list as indicative rather than final. Supporters of the policy argue that return hubs could help solve a major challenge facing Europe’s migration…

A heated debate has emerged among European Union lawmakers over a new migration policy that would allow member states to set up migrant return hubs outside EU borders. The proposal, approved on March 26, would see rejected asylum seekers transferred to facilities in third countries while they wait to be returned to their countries of origin. Supporters believe the move could fix long-standing gaps in the EU’s migration system. Among those backing the policy is Lena Düpont, a member of the centre-right European People’s Party. She described the plan as an important step forward, arguing that while the EU has…