Prosecutors in Agrigento have rejected the preventive seizure of the NGO-run search-and-rescue ship Mare Jonio but have ordered to keep the vessel in custody in order to investigate evidence in a case in which the ship's captain is accused of allegedly aiding and abetting illegal immigration.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has announced a new security decree that cracks down further on NGOs helping migrants and redistributes ministries' competencies regarding the sea. The draft of the new decree, which has not yet been released, has already set off controversy.
Asylum seekers in Lower Austria are to be issued with "Ten Commandments of Immigration" by regional authorities. Included in the edicts is a requirement for migrants to show gratitude to Austria.
Angela Merkel's government presented its long-awaited draft immigration law to the Bundestag — and got plenty of criticism from all political sides in return. Reforms to attract skilled workers aren't enough for some.
Three teenage migrants have been charged with hijacking a tanker that had rescued them off the coast of Libya. The case highlights some current problems with EU immigration policy.
The Association for Legal Studies on Immigration (ASGI) has announced that the first appeals by foreigners living in Italy will soon be filed against the ''discriminatory'' nature of a basic income introduced in the country.
France has introduced a new law that allows gendarme, police and customs officers to carry out random identity checks at, and near, the country’s border port facilities. Depending on the legal status of the migrants intercepted, they are then transferred to regional reception centres.
A directive requiring hospital staff to report all people who are not legal to authorities has caused a scandal in Switzerland. Physicians who oppose the measure cite the need for "professional secrecy" and the obligation to give care "to anyone in need".
The German government has moved closer to passing a long-awaited law lifting obstacles to skilled labor from around the world. Businesses say Germany could benefit from nationalist policies in the US and the UK.
Right-wing members of the conservative CDU/CSU alliance have questioned Germany's constitutional right to asylum and its commitment to an international migration treaty. Bavaria's state premier does not want any changes.
Germany's ruling parties have hammered out a new draft law for easing access to employment by non-EU citizens. However, citizens of several nations are expected to be banned from enjoying the new regulations.
Italian interior minister Matteo Salvini has presented new guidelines for tenders for migrant reception services, cutting funds for assistance from 35 euros to between 19-26 euros per person.