A migrant boat carrying 170 people capsized off the coast of Mauritania, resulting in the deaths of nearly 90 individuals. The incident highlights the perilous nature of the Atlantic route, with migrants facing strong currents and often travelling in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. This tragedy underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis surrounding migration and the need for increased safety measures and support for those seeking a better life.
The United States has agreed to pay for flights and offer logistical support to Panama to repatriate migrants who cross the Darien Gap illegally, as the Central American country’s new president vows to shut down the treacherous route. The agreement comes amidst a surge in migration through the Darien Gap, with over 190,000 migrants crossing in 2024 alone.
José Raúl Mulino, Panama’s newly inaugurated president, has pledged to shut down irregular migration through the Darien Gap, a perilous jungle route connecting Panama to Colombia. Mulino has secured a U.S. commitment to cover repatriation costs, but faces challenges in implementing his strict policy. Experts warn that this could force migrants onto riskier routes and benefit smugglers, while potentially impacting U.S. border crossings.
The European Union is increasingly deporting non-EU citizens, with a growing proportion being returned to countries outside the bloc. This trend reflects a hardening stance on irregular migration, driven by concerns over rising arrivals and pressure from nationalist parties. The number of deportation orders and successful deportations has risen significantly, with France and Germany leading the way.
A leatherback turtle named Uke Sasakolo has broken the record for the deepest dive ever recorded by a turtle, reaching a depth of 4,409 feet (1,344 meters). The researchers also tracked another turtle named Aunty June, who swam across the entire Pacific Ocean. The leatherback turtle has a unique ability to withstand the extreme pressures of the deep due to adaptations such as a specialized carapace and the ability to hold its breath for long periods of time. The findings highlight the importance of protecting these critically endangered turtles, as every nesting adult is crucial for the survival of the species.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has dismissed claims of being snubbed by fellow leaders at the recent G7 summit in Italy. Despite opinion polls predicting a significant loss in the upcoming general election, Sunak emphasized the value of informal discussions he had with counterparts such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Notable interactions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked his first day at the summit. Sunak’s absence from scheduled bilateral meetings with other G7 leaders, however, raised questions. Nevertheless, he remains focused on the upcoming election, criticizing Labour’s manifesto and highlighting Conservative policies on tax cuts. The summit also addressed global issues such as the $50 billion support package for Ukraine and collective action on migration challenges.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has outlined steps he has implemented to curb migration, including reducing student dependent applications by 80% and scrapping a rule that allowed employers to pay immigrant workers 20% less than UK citizens. The new rules will also make it harder for overseas care workers to bring dependent relatives to the UK. Critics say the measures will be a ‘total disaster’ for the health and care sector, which relies heavily on immigrant workers.
The Australian government has increased the minimum savings requirement for international students applying for a visa, effective May 10th. Students must now have savings equivalent to 75% of the national minimum wage, which currently amounts to A$29,710 (approximately 16,29,964). This change aims to ensure a minimum standard of living for foreign students and align with the overall reduction in migration levels being implemented by the government.
Seasonal migrant workers from Marathwada, who labor in sugarcane fields in western Maharashtra and Karnataka, are returning home without much hope for change after the Lok Sabha elections. Despite facing harsh working conditions and limited job opportunities, they are resigned to a cycle of seasonal migration and temporary financial relief. Despite promises of development and improved agriculture policies by candidates during elections, the workers feel forgotten once the polls are over. The region faces a shortage of water resources and jobs, leading many villagers to leave for six months of the year to work in sugarcane fields.
Guatemalan prosecutors raided the offices of Save the Children on Thursday, April 25, 2024, following a complaint alleging the violation of migrant children’s rights. The raid came a week after the secretary general of Guatemala’s Public Ministry wrote to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asking for support in addressing allegations that Save the Children and other aid groups “could be participating in child trafficking operations.” Prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche said the raid was intended to search for any documents that might support the accusations. Curruchiche and Pineda have been accused of trying to undermine the country’s democracy by participating in a failed effort to prevent anti-corruption President Bernardo Arévalo from taking power as well as hindering the anti-corruption fight in the Central American nation.
