MIGRATION

The European Commission has proposed designating seven countries as “safe countries of origin,” aiming to expedite the processing of asylum applications from their nationals. Under this proposal, asylum claims from individuals originating from these nations would be subject to accelerated procedures, with decisions expected within three months, compared to the standard six-month timeframe. The Commission justifies this move by citing …

The European Commission unveiled a draft law on 11 March aimed at expediting deportations of undocumented migrants across Europe — a legislation that critics say undermines human rights and disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including many Africans. The proposal, rushed through amid political pressure, has been sharply condemned by migrant advocacy groups for its lack of consultation and comprehensive impact assessments. …

German higher education is witnessing a notable rise in international enrolments, with the 2024 academic year marking a significant shift in student demographics. Approximately 491,400 new students began their studies at German universities last year—a 2% increase compared to the previous year—with the surge driven entirely by foreign applicants. Recent data from the Federal Statistical Office, as reported by various …

YANA Berlin will relaunch its services to provide support for asylum-seekers and other new African migrants in the German capital on 1 April. The migrant advisory service, run by the nonprofit German-African Initiative for Development and Integration (GAIDI), operates under the motto “You Are Not Alone in Berlin” (YANA Berlin), offering guidance to ease integration. Supported for the first time …

A new study by the German Economic Institute (IW), commissioned by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has highlighted the significant economic benefits that international students bring to Germany. The research found that international students generate a return eight times greater than the government’s investment in their education. With around 492,600 international students currently studying in Germany, the country has …

*By Steve Ogah On 20 January 2025, the destiny of most migrants in America took a turn for the worse after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, their fortunes further deteriorating after he signed the “securing our border” executive order, a move that could see undocumented migrants deported from the country in droves. While many migrants suspected what they …

From a tough childhood in Lagos to an enduring journey to Germany and finally a return to Nigeria, Ade’s life has come full circle. With his own resilience and support from the ARRIVES Project, he is now building a successful business at home. ________ A Yoruba saying goes, “Ìgbà àti ibi tí mo ń wá, ti wà fún mi láti ìbẹ̀rẹ̀” …

The Hope Education Project (HEP) has announced the launch of a pioneering pilot project in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana, aimed at preventing human trafficking through education and community empowerment. HEP will deliver trafficking awareness programming to three Junior High Schools in the following communities of Tamale: Gumbihini, Sagnarigu and New Gbolo. The HEP program aims to disrupt the flow of …

On 1 January 2025, Germany’s federal government introduced a digital portal to simplify its visa application process. Accessible at https://digital.diplo.de/visa, the platform allows applicants to apply for 28 types of national visas online, cutting down on paperwork and processing delays. This innovation is intended to benefit those seeking work, education or family reunification in Germany. Despite the platform’s supposed global …

The number of asylum applications in Europe decreased significantly in 2024, according to news reports, quoting the German news agency dpa and newspaper Welt am Sonntag.  In the 27 EU member nations, along with Norway and Switzerland, approximately 1.008 million first-time asylum applications were filed last year compared to 1.14 million in 2023, a 12% drop. The figures are based …

To many people, it may come as a surprise that people decide to voluntarily leave the country to which they immigrated. However, the reality for migrants is that not all applications for asylum or residency are approved, leaving many in a situation where they have to consider leaving Germany.  This is just one reason, why a total of 10,762 people …

Berlin – One of the main concerns migrants have when considering returning to their countries of origin is finding a job to provide for themselves and their families. They may be out of touch with the job market back home, or unsure whether the skills gained in Germany will lead to employment. For many, starting their own business presents a …

Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, has called for easing access to the labour market for refugees, highlighting the critical role of employment in successful integration. “Integration is best achieved by quickly taking up employment and learning the German language,” Wegner told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). The CDU politician emphasized the need to reform existing rules, noting that it benefits no one …

Bavaria has unveiled a new initiative aimed at simplifying the immigration process for skilled workers to address the state’s urgent labour shortages. As from next year’s summer the recognition of foreign professional qualifications will be expedited. According to Social Minister Ulrike Scharf, the ‘Fast Lane’ initiative is designed to streamline bureaucratic procedures, reducing waiting times for skilled immigrants. It will …

The 5th Conference of the German Network for Forced Migration Studies took place from 16-18 September in Bonn, bringing together over 400 participants from around the world for in-depth discussions on forced migration. Maarit Thiem, who led the BICC organising team, addresses the conference’s opening/Photo: Seddy Saidykhan Researchers, practitioners, students, and stakeholders, including refugee and migrant organizations, explored the many …

Germany and Kenya have recently signed a migration and labour agreement aimed at addressing Germany’s need for skilled workers while discouraging irregular migration. Signed in Berlin on 13 September 2024 by Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Musalia Mudavadi, and witnessed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto, …

Germany will introduce controls at its nine land borders for the next six months beginning from 16 September, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) announced in Berlin on Monday. Accordingly, temporary border controls will be implemented at all of Germany’s land borders, including those with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. Given that …

The 5th Conference of the German Network for Forced Migration Studies takes place in Bonn from 16-18 September 2024. Themed “Regional and Local Responses to Global Refugee Movements: Contexts, Challenges, Solutions”, it aims to explore the multifaceted dynamics of forced migration, including the root causes, the global and regional factors at play, and the challenges faced by both refugees and …

An international forum on forced migration and displacement caused by violent conflicts and natural disasters will convene from 16 to 18 September 2024 in the western German city of Bonn. The 5th Conference of the German Network for Forced Migration Studies brings together refugee and non-refugee researchers at all career levels, practitioners, students and interested parties, such as refugee/migrant organisations, …

Germany is not obliged to automatically recognise persons seeking protection as refugees because they already have been granted refugee status in another EU country. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in Luxembourg on Tuesday that the states of the European Union are not obliged to take such action. Background to the case: A Syrian national who obtained refugee status …