EU helps Bulgaria and Romania to protect borders against migrants
The European Commission has announced two pilot projects with Romania and Bulgaria aimed at stopping irregular migration at the EU's external borders.
Romania
Germany: Ukrainian refugee recalls how she 'left the country for my children' (3/3)
Iryna, a Ukrainian refugee in Germany, calls her husband in Kyiv at least once a day. But the two never talk about the war -- the subject is too painful. This is her story.
EU to tighten borders and stuff migration loopholes
The EU has managed to decide on a series of new policies aimed at curbing irregular migration. However, the impact of those policies is likely going to be limited, with the focus on economic migration rather than addressing the root causes of migration.
Tunisian beaten to death for alleged comments to girl in Sicily
A New Year's Eve party at a club on the Italian island of Sicily ended in violence: A young Tunisian man was beaten to death after he allegedly made inappropriate comments to a girl. The suspects – three Romanians – were arrested.
EU refugee strait could worsen in 2023 without policy change
The search for a solidarity-based asylum policy continues in the new year. Two camps are irreconcilably opposed in the EU. Will they take in more people or raise barriers to entry?
Croatia to join Schengen but Bulgaria, Romania bids rejected
Croatia will join the unrestricted movement arrangement from January 1. However, an EU official confirmed the bids from Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen Area have been blocked.
Hidden from sight: The dangers of clandestine migration journeys
Migrants are using increasingly creative ways to journey to their destinations, often ignoring the risks involved. So-called clandestine journeys, which often involve stowing away in cars, lorries, boats, trains or planes are among the most dangerous ways people can travel.
Major trafficking ring in Portugal dismantled
Authorities in Portugal have arrested a total of 35 people on human trafficking charges in addition to allegations of money laundering and falsifying documents. Dozens of migrants were reported to have fallen prey to the trafficking ring.
Bangladeshi migrants in Romania: From regular to undocumented (Part 2 of 2)
This year, Romania became very attractive to Bangladeshi workers, after quotas for migrant workers were doubled. But on arrival, many find out the work promised is non-existent. The Bangladeshi embassy in Romania estimate at least 6,000 of 7,000 recent arrivals have made onward journeys without papers towards Western Europe.
Bangladeshi migrants in Romania: From regular to undocumented (Part 1 of 2)
This year, Romania became very attractive to Bangladeshi workers, after quotas for foreign workers were doubled. Although many arrive on legal visas with work permits, the reality on arrival often turns out not to be as promised; prompting many to start an undocumented journey towards western Europe and the salaries they had hoped to obtain.
Julian's tale: Child labor and exploitation in Sicily's greenhouses
Julian started working in greenhouses in southern Sicily at the age of 14. He tells InfoMigrants how the 'Proxima' social cooperative helped him to escape the cycle of labor exploitation.
Why has the Balkan migrant route become more active again?
Countries along the Balkan route are stepping up border controls in an attempt to stem irregular migration. An increasing number of migrants have been taking this route since this summer -- what accounts for this phenomenon? Several hypotheses exist.