Over 16,000 refugees are unable to reunite with UK families due to a suspended reunion route, forcing many into conflict zones or to use smugglers. The ban, in place since September, primarily affects women and children, with no confirmation of its resumption.
The UK and France are amending their "one in, one out" migrant treaty after people deported to France were found returning to the UK via lorries. The new classification "returnee case" will allow previously deported individuals to be sent back to France again, regardless of their method of return.
French riot police, deployed under a UK-France deal, are authorised to use water cannon, CS gas, and batons against asylum seekers in northern France. The £660m deal aims to prevent small boat launches, but refugee charities condemn the potential use of water cannon as "sickening" and inhumane.
French riot police deployed in northern France under a £660m UK deal are authorised to use water cannon, CS gas, and batons against asylum seekers. Refugee charities have condemned the move as "sickening" and "inhumane".
Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong warning to people smugglers, demanding they cease their exploitation of migrants and repent for their actions. Speaking in Spain's Canary Islands, a key route for African migrants to Europe, Leo XIV condemned the "death routes" and the suffering they cause, emphasizing divine justice for those involved in human trafficking.
A BBC investigation reveals people smugglers are using UK-registered businesses, including a phone shop, wholesale business, and car wash, to facilitate payments for illegal Channel crossings. Migrants are directed to deposit cash or make electronic transfers to these firms, which then send the money to smugglers in France. Experts express concern over the brazen attitude of smugglers and the difficulty authorities face in tracing and recovering profits from the smuggling trade.
