Greece reports plunge in migrant population and shifting trends
The number of migrants and refugees in Greece has dropped significantly over the past year despite a year-on-year increase measured in the first two months of 2023.
Afghanistan
UK government proposes moving Afghan refugees out of hotels
Afghan refugees currently living in hotels in the UK have been promised "greater support" and more settled housing. But some refugee charities fear families may be left homeless if the government ends hotel accommodation.
Germany announces temporary halt for Afghan admissions
Germany has temporarily stopped processing admission applications from Afghan nationals because of alleged attempts to abuse the system.
Portugal: 2 dead in stabbing at Lisbon Muslim center
A man stabbed two women to death and left several wounded at an Ismaili Muslim center in the Portuguese capital, the prime minister said.
Afghanistan: the national women's football team that isn't
Afghanistan's former internationals continue to play football together – in Australian exile. The sport's global governing body, FIFA, has so far denied them recognition as the Afghan national team.
Germany considering forced returns to Afghanistan: reports
Germany is said to be considering whether it can resume sending Afghans who commit crimes or pose a threat to society back to their homeland. According to German newspaper reports the government is under pressure to re-start deportations suspended since 2021.
Thousands of Afghans 'in limbo' in United Arab Emirates: Human Rights Watch
At least 2,400 Afghans who fled their country after the takeover of the Taliban remain in detention in the UAE, a Human Rights Watch report claims. The group says the Afghans have no legal pathways to refugee status or resettlement elsewhere.
Fourth arrest takes place in Italy shipwreck case as government sharpens penalties for smugglers
Another arrest has been made in connection with a fatal shipwreck off the southern coast of Italy that killed at least 72 people last month. Meanwhile, there’s growing disagreement about where the remains of the victims should be buried.
Female Afghan reporter among the victims of deadly Cutro shipwreck
Torpekai Amarkhel was fleeing the Taliban when she died alongside her husband and two children in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy last month. A third child is still missing.
New UK law to criminalize all Channel migrants
The UK government has introduced a new law – dubbed the 'Small Boats Bill' – which would criminalize migrants arriving via the English Channel. Critics say the proposals will not deter people from attempting the crossing.
UN migration agency helps young Afghan make a fresh start in his home country
A young Afghan man opted against taking a risky migration route to Europe, choosing instead to stay in his home country to start a local business. The International Organization for Migration, a UN agency, helped fund it.
Saving her son: national soccer player from Pakistan among victims of shipwreck
A national soccer player from Pakistan seeking medical treatment for her three-year-old son was among the 71 migrants confirmed dead in a shipwreck off Italy's southern coast eight days ago. Further details about the tragic journey are starting to emerge.