Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Two Italian university researchers say they have uncovered a secret code smugglers use to run migrant trafficking from the Sahel to Europe. The code uses simple symbols and emoticons on social networks to advertise journeys and coordinate moves, researchers told a defence congress in Rome. The work was carried out by Michele Empler and Livio Calabresi and coordinated by Professor Alessandro Sterpa. They built an AI-driven web crawler to gather posts, images, and videos that smugglers publish openly online. From that data, they developed a repeatable formula to read the hidden messages. Empler and Calabresi say the smugglers avoid normal…

Singapore’s population has reached 5.9 million, with the rise mainly driven by non-residents, including work permit holders and migrant domestic workers. The latest figures were published in the National Population and Talent Division’s Population in Brief 2025 report, which highlights major demographic trends in the country. As of June 2025, the total population had increased by 1.2% compared to the previous year. This growth is faster than the pace seen between 2015 and 2020, when population numbers climbed more slowly. The report shows that while citizens and permanent residents saw only slight changes, non-residents remain the biggest contributors to overall…

Chinese-made mega dinghies are being blamed for the sharp rise in Channel migrant crossings, with the first pictures of one of these larger vessels appearing this week. The new boats, which are much bigger than standard dinghies, are being overloaded with migrants as smugglers try to maximize profits. One vessel spotted in the Channel carried up to 125 people, equaling the record number for a single crossing. The latest development has raised serious safety concerns, as overcrowded boats are more likely to capsize or break apart mid-journey. Over the weekend, three people, including a child, lost their lives during separate…

French authorities have confirmed the discovery of a body on a beach near the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, an area often used as a starting point for migrants trying to cross the English Channel to reach the United Kingdom. The body, believed to be a young migrant, was found on Sunday morning, and officials say he most likely died while attempting to make the dangerous crossing overnight. This incident adds to a growing number of migrant deaths in recent days. Just a day earlier, two women were reported dead during another Channel crossing attempt after their boat’s engine failed to start.…

Opposition leader Sussan Ley has brushed off Andrew Hastie’s recent comments on immigration, making it clear she does not believe migrants are to blame for the daily struggles Australians are facing. Ley also denied any suggestion that Hastie was seeking her leadership position, saying she is not worried about such speculation. When asked about Hastie’s remarks that high migration levels are making Australians feel like “strangers in our own home,” Ley refused to endorse the statement. Instead, she pointed the finger at the government for not delivering the infrastructure and services needed to support the population. According to her, the…

A manufacturing company in Tauranga has warned it may be forced to close if the government does not ease English language rules for skilled workers. Employers say the current standards unfairly put skilled migrants at risk, while the new investor visa allows applicants with much lower English scores. The company, GammInCo, relies heavily on migrant workers, including Brazilian CNC machinist Ivan Inthurn. His role is vital for the business, but he now faces losing his residency chance because he has not reached the required English score. “I study every week. I practice at school, church, and jiu-jitsu. But 6.5 is…

Britain is preparing to tighten the rules for migrants seeking permanent residency. Interior minister Shabana Mahmood will use her Labour Party conference speech to outline plans that could make it harder for people to qualify for indefinite leave to remain. The government wants applicants to prove their value to society before being allowed to stay permanently. Mahmood will say the government is considering new conditions, including paying social security contributions, having a clean criminal record, and not claiming benefits. Migrants may also need to show a strong level of English and provide evidence of community service, such as volunteering. These…

A political storm has erupted after Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded Nigel Farage’s migration plans as “racist,” only for his Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to announce a similar crackdown during the Labour Party conference. The sharp exchanges highlight how migration remains one of the most divisive issues in British politics, with both Labour and Reform UK fighting for public support. Mahmood revealed plans to tighten rules on migrants, including denying permanent residency to those without a job, a clean record, good English skills, or a history of community service. She said her priority would be to stop what she called…

Finland is moving forward with new reforms that will make changes to how migrants access social security, according to Social Security Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen. The government is preparing two draft laws aimed at tightening benefit rules for newcomers and encouraging integration into society. One of the proposals focuses on the child home care allowance. Following a Norwegian-style model, the plan would require people to have lived in Finland or another EU country for at least three years before qualifying. The goal is to ensure that children from migrant families take part in early childhood education and gain strong language skills…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is preparing to launch a mandatory digital ID scheme in an attempt to reduce illegal migration, particularly small boat crossings in the English Channel. The ID, which would be stored on smartphones, will allow people to prove their right to work in the UK. Officials said the scheme will be introduced by the end of the current Parliament. The digital ID would act as official proof of identity and residency, containing a person’s name, date of birth, nationality, photo, and immigration status. Citizens and legal residents will have access to the system, but those who…