Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

The mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu, a 38-year-old migrant from Ethiopia convicted of sexual assault, has caused major controversy in the UK. Kebatu had been sentenced for assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman while staying in an asylum seeker hotel. Instead of being held for deportation, he was wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford due to what officials described as “human error.” The incident triggered a nationwide manhunt. CCTV footage showed him moving through Chelmsford, then into parts of east London, including Stratford and Dalston. He was arrested in Finsbury Park on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Kebatu later claimed he…

A coalition of migration organizations in Italy, known as Tavolo Asilo e Immigrazione (TAI), has renewed criticism of the Italian government’s decision to process migrants in centers located in Albania. The group said that most migrants sent to these centers end up returning to Italy instead of being repatriated to their home countries. Members of the coalition, along with lawmakers from Italy and representatives from the European Parliament, visited the repatriation center in Gjader on October 28. After the visit, they said the system is failing and raised concerns about whether the detentions have a legal basis. Several opposition politicians…

The Indonesian government is planning a new initiative to involve former migrant workers in Red and White Village Cooperatives across the country. The plan is being coordinated between the Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Migrant Workers Protection. The goal is to give returning migrant workers a chance to use their skills to support economic development in their home communities. Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono explained that many Indonesians who work abroad gain valuable experience in business, technical skills, and international work culture. He believes that when they return home, these skills can help strengthen local cooperatives and small business…

Across many countries, xenophobia and racism against undocumented migrants continue to rise, leading to violence, discrimination, and social division. This issue is seen in regions such as South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where foreign nationals are often blamed for economic hardship and social challenges. The growing hostility is fueled by political speeches, economic struggles, and social inequality, making life for undocumented migrants increasingly difficult. In South Africa, attacks on foreign nationals have been repeated over the years, especially during election seasons when leaders accuse migrants of taking jobs or increasing crime. Studies show that high unemployment…

The UK government says it has reached a record number of arrests involving undocumented migrant workers following a nationwide crackdown. The campaign, known as Operation Sterling, targets people working without legal papers in takeaways, delivery services, beauty salons, construction sites, and car washes. Officials say the goal is to reduce the demand for illegal migration and remove incentives used by smuggling networks. According to the Home Office, arrests linked to unauthorized work increased by 63% over the past year. Authorities also carried out more workplace raids than ever before, with more than 11,000 inspections taking place from October 2024 to…

An Afghan migrant, Safi Dawood, has appeared in court after being accused of a triple stabbing in Uxbridge that left one man dead and two others injured. Dawood, 22, is said to have carried out the attacks on Monday, October 27, at a home where he was renting a room. The case has drawn major attention because he had previously entered the UK in a lorry in 2020 before later being granted asylum in 2022. According to the court, Dawood allegedly stabbed his landlord, 45-year-old Shahzad Farrukh, inside the property before a 14-year-old boy was also reportedly injured. Both managed…

A recent case has raised questions after a migrant who committed a crime was given £500 to leave the UK. The man, Hadush Kebatu, had been released from HMP Chelmsford by mistake instead of being transferred to immigration detention. After a two-day search, he was found in London and later deported to Ethiopia. The payment sparked confusion and criticism, as many people questioned why someone being removed from the country would receive money. According to the Home Office, the payment was an “operational decision” to prevent delays and extra costs. Officials explained that if the man had refused to board…

Ashley Community Housing (ACH), a registered housing provider that supports refugees and migrants in the UK, has announced the appointment of Oona Goldsworthy as the new chair of its board. Goldsworthy is well known for her experience in social housing and community development. Before joining ACH, she served as chief executive of Brunelcare, a respected later-living housing and care provider, where she has led since 2019. Goldsworthy is also involved in several organizations focused on social care and community support. She sits on the boards of the National Care Forum and Care & Support West, co-chairs the Bristol One City…

Taiwan has announced a new policy that will allow migrant workers to take jobs in the hospitality sector starting next year. The plan is designed to address a serious labour shortage in hotels and related services. According to officials, migrant workers who are hired in this sector must earn a minimum monthly salary of NT$32,000. Chen Yu-hsiu, director-general of the Tourism Administration, said the recruitment program will begin in the first quarter of the year. The migrant workers will be able to work in roles such as housekeeping, cleaning, front desk service, and food service. This move is part of…

A Maryknoll missionary has become an important support figure for many migrant workers in Taiwan who face unfair labour conditions. Charles Niece first traveled to Taiwan in 2019 through a Maryknoll volunteer program after graduating from Seton Hall University. He expected to spend one year learning and serving, but his experience grew into a long-term mission focused on defending the rights of migrant workers, especially those from the Philippines. Niece first worked alongside Father Joyalito Tajonera, also known as Father Joy, who runs a church-based shelter for migrant workers in Taichung. The parish is a lively community where many Filipino…