Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

A tragic incident in the central Mediterranean has claimed the lives of three sisters, aged nine, 11, and 17, when their overcrowded rubber migrant boat began taking on water, according to German rescue charity RESQSHIP. The vessel, which had departed from Zuwara, Libya, was carrying around 68 people when waves of up to 1.5 meters repeatedly washed over it, causing panic and severe overcrowding. Among the survivors were the girls’ mother and brother, three pregnant women, and a seven-month-old baby. One person remains missing. Barbara Sartore, communications coordinator aboard the rescue ship Nadir, described the horrific scene: “The boat was…

The Libyan coast guard fired upon a European humanitarian vessel, the Ocean Viking, while it was conducting a search and rescue operation for migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea, SOS Mediterranee reported. The attack occurred roughly 40 nautical miles (74 km) north of Libya, but no casualties were reported. The vessel, however, sustained significant damage. The Ocean Viking, a Norwegian-flagged ship operated by SOS Mediterranee in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, had already rescued 87 people from two separate boats, many fleeing war-torn Sudan, before the attack. While searching for a third…

New Zealand is strengthening protections for migrant workers through its employment infringement scheme, launched in April 2024. Administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the program penalizes employers who violate immigration laws and visa conditions, promoting compliance and fair treatment at work. The scheme was introduced under the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Act and allows INZ to quickly issue fines and impose stand-down periods on non-compliant employers. These measures are designed to address lower-level offences efficiently, avoiding lengthy criminal or civil proceedings. Employers may receive infringement notices for…

Kilmar Abrego, the migrant whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador became a symbol of U.S. immigration controversies, was detained again by U.S. immigration officials in Baltimore on Monday. Authorities say he may face deportation to Uganda, a country with which Abrego has no known ties. Abrego, 30, was mistakenly sent to El Salvador in March under the Trump administration’s immigration policies, despite a 2019 court ruling protecting him from deportation due to persecution risks. He returned to the U.S. in June to face criminal charges related to transporting migrants living in the country illegally and was released on bond last…

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has unveiled a highly controversial plan to detain and deport all illegal migrants in the United Kingdom, including women and children. Speaking at a press event in Oxford, Farage described the current situation as a “genuine threat to public order” and promised immediate action to stop small boats from crossing the English Channel. Farage claims that Reform’s policies will halt illegal arrivals “within days” and outlined a five-year plan to deport roughly 500,000 to 600,000 migrants. He said the government would create legal obligations for the Home Secretary to ensure all illegal migrants are…

For many people, the idea of working abroad is more than just chasing a bigger salary. It is about building a future, learning new skills, and creating opportunities that may not exist back home. But while migration can open doors, the journey is never simple. Knowing what to expect before you leave can make the difference between success and disappointment. The first thing any aspiring migrant should understand is that preparation is key. Before packing your bags, take time to research your destination country. Learn about the cost of living, work permits, housing, and cultural practices. Many migrants face challenges…

Tensions flared across Britain over the holiday weekend as opponents and supporters of migrants clashed in angry protests. Mounted police were deployed in places like Bristol to keep demonstrators apart, while arrests were made as the debate over asylum hotels continues to grow. The protests came after a High Court ruling that forced the closure of the Bell Hotel in Epping, on the outskirts of London, which had been housing asylum-seekers. The council argued that the hotel had become a flashpoint for “unprecedented levels of protest and disruption.” Anti-migrant groups such as Abolish Asylum System rallied against migrants, while groups…

The debate on how to stop migrant boat crossings in the English Channel is heating up again, with critics asking whether it is time to bring back the Royal Navy. Many believe that current measures, including the fast-track asylum appeals process announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are not strong enough to deter people smugglers or end the crisis. Sir Keir, who built his career as a director of public prosecutions, has focused on overhauling legal processes. His plan to speed up asylum cases has been welcomed by some but criticised as too limited to deal with the growing problem.…

Bulgarian customs officers have intercepted close to 70 inflatable boats at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint since the beginning of this year. The boats, hidden in trucks crossing from Turkey, were reportedly meant to be used by smugglers to transport migrants across the English Channel to the United Kingdom. This marks the second year in a row that Bulgaria has been working closely with the United Kingdom to block the smuggling of boats used for migrant trafficking. Nearly 200 such boats have been seized at the border over the past two years, showing how serious the problem has become. The latest…

The Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Abdul Kadir Karding has shared President Prabowo Subianto’s programs with Indonesian migrant workers during a meeting at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, August 24. The discussion focused on welfare, education, and protection for workers and their families. Karding explained that President Prabowo has a strong commitment to helping the people, especially those from low-income backgrounds. He said the President’s programs are designed to open wider access to the economy and education while breaking the cycle of poverty in villages. He stressed that these initiatives would also benefit…