Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

More than 72,000 migrants have died or gone missing while trying to reach safety since 2014, according to the United Nations. The shocking number was revealed in a new report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), part of the UN, which tracks global migration. The report shows that 2023 was the deadliest year on record, with at least 8,938 people dying on migration routes. Most of these deaths happened in countries facing crises such as war, poverty, or natural disasters. Amy Pope, the head of the IOM, said many people take dangerous journeys because they have no safe options…

The UK government is moving to introduce stricter immigration laws aimed at reducing the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels and stopping convicted sex offenders from claiming refugee protection. These new rules come in response to growing public concern following incidents such as the chemical attack in Clapham by Abdul Ezedi, who was previously convicted of a sexual offence before being granted asylum. Under the proposed changes, any foreign national convicted of a crime that places them on the UK’s sex offenders register will automatically be denied refugee status, regardless of the length of their sentence. This marks a…

Spain is working on a plan to relocate thousands of migrant children and teenagers from overcrowded regions like the Canary Islands and Ceuta. Still, political disagreements are making it difficult to move forward. The Ministry of Youth and Childhood had planned to meet with Spain’s autonomous regions on April 28 to discuss the relocation plan. However, the meeting was delayed due to a widespread power outage affecting much of the Iberian Peninsula. The aim was to set rules for relocating about 4,400 unaccompanied minors across Spain, easing pressure on frontline areas. The plan is backed by a decree law passed…

At least eight African migrants have tragically lost their lives after their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia. The incident occurred in the waters near Abwabed, a coastal area close to the city of Sfax, a popular departure point for many African migrants attempting to make the perilous journey to Europe. The boat, which was carrying dozens of people, sank while navigating the Mediterranean, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life. The Tunisian coast guard responded to the emergency, recovering the bodies of eight victims, who were confirmed dead after the incident. These individuals are…

A deadly US military strike on a detention centre in Yemen has killed at least 68 people and injured 47, according to reports from Houthi-affiliated media. The attack, which took place in the Saada governorate — a stronghold of the Houthi rebels — targeted a facility holding African migrants, many of whom had risked their lives to travel through Yemen on their way to work in Saudi Arabia. The migrant detention centre was reportedly holding around 115 individuals from Ethiopia and other African nations at the time of the strike. The victims, who had been detained during their perilous journey…

Britain’s immigration system is facing heavy criticism once again, as new reports reveal that the government is offering private landlords long-term rental agreements to house asylum seekers. According to the Telegraph, the Home Office is working with private contractor Serco to attract landlords by offering guaranteed rent, property maintenance, and covering all utility and council bills. Events have even been organized at four-star hotels to pitch the scheme to investors across parts of England. Although the Home Office later distanced itself from the plan, stating that it aims to “restore order” to the asylum system and cut costs for taxpayers,…

Border police in Trieste, Italy, have arrested eight Turkish nationals suspected of being part of a migrant smuggling operation along the notorious Balkan route. The arrests were carried out under the direction of the local anti-mafia prosecutor’s office, according to an official statement released on April 23, 2025. Authorities also seized 10 vehicles believed to have been used in transporting migrants into Italy. Meanwhile, Croatian police in Split arrested three more Turkish nationals connected to the same network, highlighting the operation’s cross-border reach. Investigations revealed that at least 52 irregular migrants, including several women and young minors, were being smuggled…

An expert group from the Council of Europe has called on Cyprus to take stronger measures to protect migrant workers and asylum seekers who are at risk of human trafficking. The latest findings from the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) assess the country’s actions between 2020 and 2024, highlighting both achievements and areas that require significant improvement. Key Findings from the GRETA ReportThe GRETA report commends Cyprus for several positive developments in its fight against human trafficking. Notably, the country established a specialized anti-trafficking unit within its Social Welfare Services and bolstered its police…

The Krome Detention Center in Miami, a facility originally designed for male migrant detainees, is now facing severe overcrowding as former President Donald Trump pushes forward with his mass migrant arrest and deportation campaign. The facility, meant to hold just 600 people, is now holding nearly 1,700 detainees — including a group of 40 women, despite Krome being an all-male center. The surge has left Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff overwhelmed and afraid. “There are 1700 people here at Krome!!!!” one employee texted a colleague, expressing fear of walking through the overcrowded facility. Many staff worry about potential riots,…

Lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are fighting to bring back about 140 Venezuelan migrants who were deported to El Salvador under a controversial and rarely used law from the 18th century. The law, known as the Alien Enemies Act, was recently revived by the Trump administration as part of its strict immigration policies. These deportations have sparked a wave of lawsuits across the United States. In recent weeks, federal judges in five states have issued temporary orders halting further removals under this law. However, the deportations that already happened—especially those to a high-security prison in El Salvador—remain…