SIHMA | Scalabrini Institute For Human Mobility In Africa

SIHMA Press Review for February 2025 and March 2025

South Africa

25 March 2025

Daily Maverick

Home Affairs minister launches new body to combat corruption at South Africa’s borders

South Africa's borders are highly vulnerable to transnational crime due to poor infrastructure, weak enforcement, and corruption within the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). To combat this, the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) has been launched by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber in partnership with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the BMA.

Schreiber emphasised that systemic reform and accountability are crucial in addressing corruption, which has allowed organised crime networks to flourish. National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi highlighted South Africa’s role as a major transit hub for human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illegal activities, stressing that corruption severely weakens state security.

Security expert Willem Els explained how corruption at border posts facilitates organized crime, using illicit cigarette smuggling as an example. Corrupt officials allow fake export declarations and facilitate smuggling, costing South Africa billions in tax revenue.

Els noted that deeply entrenched corruption often results in officials essentially taking over state functions. However, the BMIACF’s launch signals strong political will to combat corruption and restore border integrity.

24 March 2025

African News Agency

Civic organisations push for tougher immigration measures

Various civic organizations, political parties, and labour unions marched in Durban on Monday to protest high levels of illegal immigration in South Africa. Organized by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma of the March in March Movement, the protest was supported by Operation Dudula, Defend Democracy and others. Many participants, mainly youth, argued that undocumented foreign nationals contribute to unemployment, crime, and economic instability.

The memorandum presented at the march stated that illegal immigrants take jobs from locals, accept lower wages, and contribute to identity theft and crime. It emphasized that while South Africa has historically welcomed refugees, its laws must be enforced to protect citizens' livelihoods.

Premier Thami Ntuli's advisor, Sabelo Gwala, accepted the memorandum on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal government, acknowledging the protest's peaceful nature. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu also supported the march, recognizing concerns about undocumented foreign nationals.

Link: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/civic-organisations-push-for-tougher-immigration-measures/ar-AA1BygPH

23 March 2025

ENCA

ActionSA calls for South Africans to unite against illegal immigration

ActionSA organized a march against illegal immigration in Durban, advocating for stricter immigration policies that prioritize South Africans. However, the march has raised concerns about potential violence against foreign nationals.

The issue of illegal immigration has been linked to rising crime rates, with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stating that many kidnappings involve foreign crime syndicates. The Border Management Authority also reported a 215% increase in attempted illegal border crossings during the past festive season.

ActionSA KZN chairperson Zwakele Mncwango is urging the government to strengthen immigration laws and is calling on South Africans to join the march, which will proceed from King Dinuzulu Park to City Hall on Monday.

19 March 2025

IOL

Gayton McKenzie demands deportation of illegal foreigners, citing VAT losses to SA's economy

Gayton McKenzie raised concerns about the impact of undocumented immigrants in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town. He claimed that illegal immigrants dominate the restaurant industry and take jobs that could otherwise go to South Africans. He also argued that undocumented workers don't contribute to the economy through VAT and are often preferred by employers due to their lack of legal protections, which he described as a form of hidden racism.

Gayton McKenzie alleged that some undocumented immigrants had criminal records in their home countries before entering South Africa. He criticised their access to healthcare and housing, stating that they strain resources meant for South Africans. He emphasized that 12% of the prison population in South Africa consists of illegal immigrants, which he viewed as significant.

He urged businesses, particularly restaurants, to stop hiring undocumented workers and warned of stricter enforcement if action isn’t taken. He also tied this stance to the 2026 local government elections, stating that the PA party would prioritize deporting illegal immigrants and addressing their presence in the workforce and public services.

17 March 2025

National Catholic Reporter

Migrants braving perilous journeys to South Africa find refuge in the Catholic Church

Annie Mpofu, a 43-year-old mother of four from Zimbabwe, navigates through the bustling city streets of South Africa each morning, fearing detection by authorities who target migrants like her. Despite facing deportation and precarious living conditions, she persists in seeking employment to support her family. Alongside thousands of others, she finds refuge in makeshift shelters, relying on support from religious leaders and organizations for food, shelter, and legal aid. Despite South Africa's economic opportunities, many migrants endure social inequalities, gender-based violence, and xenophobic attacks, yet religious communities strive to protect their rights and promote integration through various services and advocacy efforts.

10 March 2025

IOL

Gayton McKenzie demands end to medical treatment for illegal foreigners amid SA's healthcare crisis

During a parliamentary debate, Gayton Mckenzie emphasised the need for urgent measures to address South Africa's healthcare challenges, including unemployment among medical professionals and the escalating HIV/AIDS crisis. He highlighted the impact of the 17% funding cut caused by the removal of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) and urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to act swiftly.

He proposed banning undocumented immigrants from accessing medical services, arguing that their presence strains healthcare resources. McKenzie also stressed the importance of strengthening ties between South Africa and the United States, stating that both nations rely on each other, though South Africa stands to lose more without collaboration.

McKenzie pointed out the disparity in medical employment, noting that while the US has no shortage of doctors, many South African medical graduates struggle to find jobs. He warned that without Pepfar, the healthcare crisis would worsen, leading to more deaths from HIV/AIDS.

He criticized South Africans who publicly denounce the country's relationship with the US, urging them to focus on solutions rather than complaints. McKenzie reiterated his call to prioritize South African citizens in healthcare and advocated for a diplomatic approach to improve relations with the US, suggesting that President Ramaphosa engage directly with US leadership to secure mutual benefits.

Africa

30 March 2025

BBC

Secret filming reveals brazen tactics of UK immigration scammers

A BBC investigation has exposed recruitment agents scamming foreign nationals seeking jobs in the UK care sector. One such agent, Nigerian doctor Kelvin Alaneme, was secretly filmed offering illegal job placements in exchange for money. His agency, CareerEdu, charged candidates for UK care jobs—despite this being illegal—and devised schemes to cover up fake employment.

The investigation found widespread abuse of the UK’s Health and Care Work visa system, which expanded in 2022. Agents exploit the need for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from licensed employers, creating a market for fraudulent job offers.

Victims, like Praise from Nigeria, paid thousands for jobs that did not exist, leaving them stranded. Efficiency for Care, a care company implicated in the scam, saw a surge in CoS issuances but was later banned from recruiting abroad. The company denies wrongdoing and is challenging the Home Office’s decision in court.

Experts warn that the sponsorship system gives employers too much power, fueling exploitation and turning the issue into a "national crisis."

 

29 March 2025

ACIAFRICA

Africa’s Catholic Journalists Urged to Foster “better, appropriate” Reporting on Migrants, Refugees

Bishop Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa of Kondoa, Tanzania, has urged Catholic journalists in Africa to avoid negative portrayals of migrants and refugees and instead adopt a constructive and compassionate approach. Speaking at a March 25-28 workshop in Maputo, Mozambique, organized by SIGNIS Africa and the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, he emphasized the need for responsible journalism that recognizes the dignity and humanity of migrants.

Bishop Mfumbusa highlighted how bias, misinformation, and disinformation shape migration narratives and called for storytelling rooted in African values of communal well-being and interconnectedness, inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu. He stressed the role of digital media in shaping public opinion and encouraged Catholic journalists to balance their reporting by including solutions to migration challenges.

Identifying economic hardship, human trafficking, organized crime, and environmental pressures as key drivers of migration, the bishop urged Catholic media to give migrants and refugees a human face.

 

At the event, SIGNIS Africa President Fr. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika reaffirmed the association’s mission to support Catholic communicators in transforming cultures through the Gospel and responsible media practices.

 

28 March 2025

Vatican News

Mozambican journalist says human trafficking is at alarming levels in Africa and is also driving illegal migration

Mozambican journalist Francisco Junior has raised concerns over the growing crisis of human trafficking in Africa, linking it to illegal migration. Speaking at the SIGNIS Africa Catholic communications workshop, he urged African leaders to collaborate in tackling trafficking, which leads to sexual exploitation, forced labor, organ removal, and ritual practices.

Junior’s investigative work, including his documentary The Case of Diana, exposed trafficking networks across Mozambique, South Africa, and Rwanda. He highlighted that traffickers often deceive victims—sometimes with the help of family members—by promising better opportunities. Factors like poverty, weak law enforcement, corruption, and political instability enable traffickers to thrive.

 

The psychological and societal impact of trafficking is severe, leading to lasting trauma for victims, broken families, and weakened communities. Junior emphasized that fighting trafficking requires stronger legal enforcement, economic development, awareness campaigns, and international cooperation. He also stressed the role of investigative journalism in exposing trafficking networks and educating the public while protecting survivors.

 

28 March 2025

Sahel Intelligence

Tunisia: Kaïs Saïed’s Policy on Immigration and the Treatment of African Migrants

Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed has adopted a hardline stance on sub-Saharan migrants, sparking humanitarian and diplomatic criticism. In February 2023, he described migrants as a demographic threat, leading to mass evictions, job losses, and violent attacks. Many migrants were forced into harsh border areas, where extreme conditions led to deaths from heat and thirst.

 

Tunisia signed a €255 million migration control deal with the EU in July 2023, but critics argue this prioritizes repression over human rights. Thousands of migrants remain stranded in precarious camps, while Tunisia’s broader crackdown on dissent has worsened since Saïed’s 2021 power grab. His migration policy, seen as part of increasing authoritarian control, has deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis.

 

26 March 2025

African Union

Somewhere to call home; the migration dynamics in Africa

Africa has experienced evolving and complex migration patterns driven by socio-economic struggles, political instability, and conflicts. Migration has become a survival strategy for some communities, leading to increased youth migration, feminization of migration, and irregular migratory flows such as human trafficking and smuggling. If well-managed, migration can contribute to development, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063 goals.

To address these challenges, the African Union (AU) established the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (2018–2030), providing guidelines for managing migration effectively. The framework covers eight thematic areas, including migration governance, labour migration, diaspora engagement, border governance, irregular migration, forced displacement, internal migration, and migration-trade relations.

 

24 March 2025

African Media Agency

2024 is Deadliest Year on Record for Migrants, New IOM Data Reveals

In 2024, a record 8,938 migrant deaths were reported worldwide, making it the deadliest year on record, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This continues a five-year trend of rising fatalities, surpassing the 8,747 deaths recorded in 2023.

IOM officials stress that the true death toll is likely higher due to underreporting and missing data. Many migrants remain unidentified, leaving families without closure. The Missing Migrants Project aims to improve data collection and advocate for safe, legal migration routes as the only sustainable solution to reducing migrant deaths.

 

22 March 2025

MWN

Morocco Leverages Position to Control Migration Routes to Europe

The latest report by the Mixed Migration Centre sheds light on how Morocco has significantly bolstered its migration enforcement mechanisms, effectively curbing irregular migration flows to Europe. Since early 2023, Morocco has successfully prevented tens of thousands of "illegal crossings," particularly along the Western Mediterranean Route (WMR) that leads to Spain.

The report, titled "Beyond restrictions: how migration and smuggling adapt to changing policies across the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the English Channel," highlights how Morocco's strategic position has enabled the country to negotiate advantageous agreements with both Spain and the European Union (EU). These agreements have strengthened Morocco’s role as both a transit and destination country for migrants, giving it leverage to manage migration flows effectively.

A key aspect of this cooperation is the EU's Anti-smuggling Operational Partnership with Morocco, launched in July 2022, aimed at tackling criminal networks and addressing irregular migration. This partnership is part of a broader EU commitment, with €1.4 billion allocated to support Morocco’s migration-related reforms and resilience-building efforts until 2027. This support has been crucial in bolstering Morocco’s ability to enforce tighter control over its migration routes.

As a result of these measures, the WMR, historically a popular route for sub-Saharan African migrants seeking to reach Europe, has seen a notable decline in crossings. Since the 2022 tragedy at Melilla, where 23 migrants were killed, Morocco has implemented strict enforcement tactics, including racial profiling. The report indicates that migrants from sub-Saharan Africa face particular challenges in Morocco, often being subjected to harsher treatment than their North African counterparts. This has contributed to the reduction of migrant numbers along this route, with arrivals to Spain via the WMR remaining steady at around 17,000 per year from 2023 to 2024.

Despite the enforcement measures, smuggling networks remain active, adapting to slower migration flows by diversifying their criminal activities into other illicit markets, including drug trafficking. This suggests that while the smuggling networks have been disrupted, they remain poised to return to migrant smuggling if demand increases again.

The study concludes by acknowledging Morocco’s effective control over migration flows, noting that Spain and the EU have provided substantial financial support to ensure this outcome. The report underscores how Morocco has become a critical player in Europe's broader migration strategy, with its policies shaping the flow of migrants attempting to reach the EU.

 

17 March 2025

France24

Tunisia rescues 612 migrants, recovers 18 bodies in overnight operations

Tunisia’s national guard reported rescuing 612 migrants and recovering 18 bodies after several boats capsized off the Mediterranean coast. The migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, had been attempting to reach Europe when their boats broke down or overturned near the Sfax region. The national guard released images showing survivors, including women and children, clinging to buoys, with some in critical condition. One image showed a woman struggling to lift a lifeless child aboard a rescue boat.

Tunisia, along with Libya, has become a major departure point for migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing to Europe. The country’s coastline is just 150 kilometers from Italy’s Lampedusa island, often the first stop for migrants. Despite the risks, many continue to attempt the journey each year in search of a better life.

 

10 March 2025

The North Africa Post

Mauritania: Migrants facing deportation attack police station in Gogui

Tensions in Mauritania escalated after migrants facing deportation attacked a police station in Gogui, near the Mali border. Over the weekend, the migrants threw stones and set fire to the police post, amid a broader crackdown on irregular migration, which has led to increased arrests and expulsions.

 

Human rights groups have raised concerns over the harsh conditions of the deportations, highlighting overcrowding and unsafe treatment of migrants. SOS Enclaves urged authorities to reconsider their approach to avoid human rights violations.

In response, Mauritania’s government defended the measures as routine immigration enforcement, stating that the detained migrants lacked proper documentation. Meanwhile, Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad has called for calm and peaceful dialogue, as Malian nationals continue arriving at the Gogui border post.

 

07 March 2025

AP

UN says 186 missing and at least 2 dead after migrant boats capsize off Yemen and Djibouti

It is reported that at least two people have died and 186 others are missing after four boats carrying migrants from Africa capsized off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti. According to the U.N.'s migration agency, the incidents occurred overnight, with two boats capsizing off Yemen late Thursday. Two crewmembers were rescued, but 181 migrants and five Yemeni crew members remain missing.

Two boats also capsized near Djibouti, with two migrant bodies recovered, but all other passengers were rescued. The capsizing in Djibouti was caused by strong winds shortly after the boats set sail. The boats were carrying Ethiopian migrants and Yemeni crew members. One boat, carrying 31 Ethiopian migrants, capsized in Yemen's Dhubab district, while another boat, with 150 Ethiopian migrants, sank near the same region. Yemen is a key route for migrants from East Africa and the Horn of Africa seeking work in Gulf countries, with hundreds of thousands attempting the journey annually. Migrants often travel in overcrowded, dangerous boats across the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden, facilitated by smugglers.

In 2023, the number of migrants reaching Yemen surged to 97,200, three times the figure from 2021. However, this dropped to just under 61,000 in 2024, likely due to increased patrols in the waters, according to an IOM report. Over the past decade, at least 2,082 migrants have gone missing on the route, with 693 confirmed drownings. Currently, around 380,000 migrants are in Yemen.

 

 

 

International

24 March 2025

Dpa International

Germany's migrant helpers face threats and abuse amid far-right rise

Rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Meissen, near Dresden, has intensified hostility toward immigrants and those who support them. Incidents of discrimination, including bus drivers refusing migrant children and school bullying, have increased. Aid workers from Diakonie report growing tensions, with threats extending beyond migrants to their helpers. Experts link the situation to economic struggles in eastern Germany since reunification, fostering anti-immigrant sentiments. As public discourse becomes more openly hostile, both refugees and aid workers face verbal and physical intimidation.

24 March 2025

AMU

Migrants in Germany fear deportation amid stricter policies, report says

There is a growing insecurity among migrants due to stricter asylum laws and shifting political sentiment, leaving many uncertain about their future. Afghan journalist Hassinah's story exemplifies the hardships faced by those fleeing persecution.

Forced to leave Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban takeover, Hassinah recalls the painful moment of departure. “Leaving Afghanistan was the most bitter day of my life—a night when I couldn’t hug my loved ones or even pack my belongings,” she said. Upon arriving in Islamabad, she faced bureaucratic delays, stretching her two-week visa wait to over a month.

“All my years of work, like that of many other Afghans, were lost. I left everything behind, and overnight, my entire life ended,” she added.

The report highlights similar struggles among Afghan migrants, many of whom remain in limbo, facing psychological distress and the looming threat of deportation. With the Taliban continuing to suppress dissent and restrict freedoms, forced returns raise serious humanitarian concerns.

24 March 2025

AMU

Afghan refugees in Pakistan fear persecution if deported

The situation for Afghan refugees remains dire as many, including former translators, embassy staff, journalists, and human rights activists, fear for their lives if sent back under Taliban rule.

“I came to Pakistan because the U.S. promised to resettle me and thousands of others,” said Fahima, an Afghan refugee. “But now, with Trump in office, all those promises have been halted, and we are stuck in a terrible situation.”

A letter from a senior U.S. senator urged the Biden administration to uphold its commitments, emphasizing that nearly 6,000 Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants remain stranded in multiple countries. The letter criticized President Trump’s executive order for suspending resettlement efforts, leaving Afghan allies in limbo.

Shawn VanDiver, head of Afghan Evac, warned that despite reassurances from the U.S. State Department, a list of countries facing travel bans may include Afghanistan. “We urge caution in accepting this as absolute truth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has condemned Pakistan’s efforts to forcibly return Afghan refugees, warning of severe consequences. “Returning Afghans will be exposed to Taliban persecution and dire economic conditions,” the organization stated, calling on Pakistan to halt deportations immediately.

With less than nine days before Pakistan’s deportation deadline, thousands of Afghan refugees now face detention and forced removal, deepening an already critical humanitarian crisis.

20 March 2025

Atalayar

Disagreements over diplomatic properties and deportations fuel the crisis between Algeria and France

This latest diplomatic standoff between Algeria and France underscores long-standing tensions between the two nations, particularly regarding immigration and economic agreements.

Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently rejected a list of Algerian nationals residing in France who were subject to deportation orders, stating that France had unilaterally bypassed established diplomatic channels. The Algerian government also took issue with France’s handling of deportation cases, reinforcing its stance that Paris must respect existing bilateral agreements.

The fallout from this rejection has led to immediate consequences, with France suspending its 2007 diplomatic visa agreement with Algeria. However, Algeria appears to be taking a more aggressive approach, revealing alleged economic imbalances in Franco-Algerian relations. According to an investigation by the Algerian News Agency, France has been benefiting from low-rent diplomatic properties in Algeria, including the French Embassy and the ambassador’s residence.

Observers, including former Algerian diplomat Abdelaziz Rahabi, suggest that France’s renewed focus on deportations may be linked to its upcoming 2027 elections, as immigration remains a contentious issue in French domestic politics. Meanwhile, Algeria has reactivated past grievances, such as the Renault Group’s factory deal in Oran, which the Algerian News Agency claims was secured under unfair conditions while former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was in ill health.

As both nations harden their positions, this diplomatic dispute may signal broader tensions in Franco-Algerian relations, with potential implications for trade, migration policy, and geopolitical alliances.

24 March 2025

NTV Kenya

Trump revokes legal status for 530,000 immigrants in the US

The Trump administration plans to revoke the temporary legal status of 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, ending a two-year parole program introduced by Biden. This move, effective April 24, is part of Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration, arguing that Biden’s parole programs exceeded federal law. The decision could leave many migrants vulnerable to deportation under an expedited removal process. Trump is also considering revoking parole for 240,000 Ukrainians. The shift signals a return to stricter immigration enforcement, potentially affecting diplomatic relations with the impacted nations.

23 March 2025

USA Today

Immigrant women describe 'hell on earth' in ICE detention

Immigrant women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) describe inhumane conditions, including being chained for hours without food or water, overcrowded cells, and limited access to hygiene. Four women held at Miami’s Krome North Processing Center, typically for men, say they were treated worse than animals despite having no criminal records. These allegations follow recent detainee deaths and years of documented abuses in ICE facilities, which have persisted across both Democratic and Republican administrations. Government investigations have repeatedly found serious violations in detention centres, yet issues such as medical neglect and excessive force remain widespread.

19 March 2025

The Parliament

EU deportation plans raise legal and practical concerns

The European Union is facing a contradiction in its approach to migration: it needs newcomers to address labour shortages and demographic decline but is simultaneously reinforcing restrictive policies. The European Commission's latest proposal aims to unify migration policies across member states, but it also embraces hardline measures like deportations and third-country processing, once considered extreme.

Critics argue that the new "return hubs" violate international law and sidestep proper legislative scrutiny. The European Return Order would require EU nations to honour deportation orders from other states, expanding detention powers and imposing long-term entry bans. However, the criteria for deeming someone a security threat remain vague.

The proposal prioritizes externalization—shifting responsibility to third countries—rather than integration. Similar past efforts, such as Italy’s failed deal with Albania and the UK's abandoned Rwanda plan, have faced legal challenges and accusations of human rights abuses. Despite this, some policymakers claim voluntary return programs have failed, making stricter measures necessary.

Meanwhile, several EU countries are already toughening immigration laws. Austria has suspended family reunifications, Germany is expanding border controls, and France is proposing harsher detention policies. While politicians present migration as a crisis, experts argue the issue is more about political narratives than an unmanageable influx of migrants.

19 March 2025

Bitter Winter

The European Parliament Condemns Thailand’s Deportation of Uyghur Refugees to China

The European Parliament has strongly condemned Thailand’s recent forced deportation of 48 Uyghur refugees to China, highlighting the grave risks they face under the Chinese government. In a resolution passed with overwhelming support—482 votes in favor, 57 against, and 68 abstentions—MEPs called on Thailand to halt further deportations and to allow UNHCR unrestricted access to detained Uyghur asylum seekers.

The resolution also urges the European Commission to leverage ongoing free trade agreement negotiations with Thailand to push for democratic reforms, including changes to the country’s lese-majesty law, the release of political prisoners, and the ratification of core International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.

Additionally, MEPs called for the suspension of extradition treaties between EU member states and China to protect Uyghurs and other dissidents from persecution. They criticized a Thai delegation’s visit to Xinjiang as insufficient to address human rights concerns.

However, the urgency of this issue risks being overshadowed by reports of an alleged bribery scandal involving MEPs and Huawei, a company frequently scrutinized for its ties to the Chinese government. While the media may focus on this controversy, the deportation of Uyghur refugees remains a critical human rights crisis demanding international attention.

19 March 2025

ChinaDaily

Six migrants die, 40 missing in shipwreck off Italy's Lampedusa, UNHCR says

A tragic shipwreck off the Italian island of Lampedusa has left at least six migrants dead and 40 missing. The Italian coastguard rescued 10 survivors and recovered six bodies after responding to a distress call. Survivors, mostly from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Mali, reported that bad weather caused many to fall into the sea after departing from Sfax, Tunisia. Rescue efforts, hindered by rough conditions, continue with support from Frontex and Italian authorities. Lampedusa remains a key entry point for migrants making the perilous journey from North Africa to Europe.

17 March 2025

Sky News

Illegal immigrants who came to the UK on small boats helped smuggle thousands of others into Europe from London's home

Ahmed Ramadan Mohamad Ebid, an Egyptian illegal immigrant in the UK, played a key role in a £12 million migrant smuggling operation, helping over 3,700 people cross from North Africa to Italy within six months. Using his fishing background, he provided boats, crews, and real-time guidance during crossings. Authorities intercepted his coded conversations, and his phone was linked to satellite calls made from the boats. Ebid admitted to his involvement and had a past conviction in Italy for drug trafficking. His case is being heard in a Newton hearing at Southwark Crown Court.

 

 

 

 


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