Migration Matters #41

IOM's New Report on Migrant Deaths, Ration Cards for Gig Workers, Young Indians Tricked into Combat Roles in Russia, Migrant Smuggling in SE Asia, Migrant Exodus from Russia to Tajikistan, & More!

Apr 08, 2024

Dear Reader,

We are excited to bring you yet another exciting edition of Migration Matters. Expect nothing but the most relevant and insightful trends from the world of migration - the stories that matter, the events that made headlines and exciting resources you can check out. As always, don’t forget to check out our Good Finds section for some hidden gems!

If you like this curated migration roundup, please share it with your family and friends! You can also Tweet to us at @NowMigration

Must Read

IOM’s New Report from the Missing Migrants Project Reveals Alarming Trends in Migrant Deaths and Disappearances

International Organization for Migration's report titled A Decade of Documenting Migrant Deaths looks back at the last ten years, with more than 63,000 deaths and disappearances documented during migration over that period. Here are some of its key findings:

Rising Death Toll - One in three migrant deaths occurs during conflict flights, with 2023 marking the deadliest year on record, totalling 8,541 victims.
Drowning as the Leading Cause of Death - Nearly 60 per cent of deaths documented during migration are linked to drowning, with over 27,000 related deaths in the Mediterranean alone.
Deadliest Route - In 2024, although migrant arrivals along the Mediterranean Sea route have decreased, deaths remain high, with 956 registered since January 1st. The Central Mediterranean route stands out as the deadliest, claiming 23,092 lives since 2014.
Underreporting of Migrant Deaths - Identifying deceased migrants remains a challenge, with over two-thirds of remains unrecovered, leaving families in uncertainty.
Migration Linked to Political Instability - More than a third of deceased migrants come from conflict-affected or refugee-heavy countries, highlighting the perils faced by those fleeing without safe passage.

The IOM advocates for comprehensive data collection to establish safer migration pathways and safeguard vulnerable populations, outlined in their latest Strategic Plan aimed at saving lives and mitigating the global impact of migrant deaths.

Record Highs in Channel Crossings in 2024

The influx of migrants arriving in the UK via the Channel has hit an all-time high for the first three months of the year. Recent data from the Home Office pegs the year-to-date total figure at 4,644. This surpasses the previous record set in 2022, where arrivals from January to March totalled 4,548. Comparing year-on-year data, arrivals in 2024 are notably higher, up by 23% compared to this point in 2023 and 12% compared to 2022. Despite efforts to curb these crossings, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's initiative to "stop the boats," the figures continue to escalate. Downing Street acknowledges the severity of the situation, referring to it as a "migration emergency."

India

Indian Government: "Rohingya Migrants Have No Right to Reside in India”
In response to a plea before the Supreme Court, the Indian government clarified its stance on Rohingya Muslim migrants residing in the country. The government underscored that while foreigners are entitled to certain rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life and liberty, the right to reside and settle in India is exclusively reserved for Indian citizens. Highlighting concerns about illegal migration, counterfeit Indian identity documents, and human trafficking, the government emphasized the need to address these serious security threats. It urged the judiciary to refrain from encroaching upon the legislative and policy domains of the Parliament and executive in determining refugee status for such individuals. Additionally, the government clarified its position on UNHCR refugee cards, stating that India does not recognize them as valid documentation for claiming refugee status. This update underscores the complex and sensitive nature of the Rohingya migrant issue in India.
SC Issues Directive for Ration Cards for Gig Workers Ensuring Food Security
The Supreme Court has directed states to provide ration cards to 8 crore migrant workers registered on the eShram portal within two months. This portal, managed by the Union Labour Ministry, holds details of unorganised workers, with 20.63 crore eligible for ration cards out of 28.6 crore on the platform. The court's order targets gig workers not covered by the National Food Security Act, citing outdated census data causing over 10 crore exclusions. Petitioners advocate for using the latest census data to determine ration card beneficiaries. Emphasising the importance of food security for gig workers and unorganised labourers, the Supreme Court stresses issuing ration cards regardless of NFSA quotas.
Young Indians Tricked into Combat Roles in Russia
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is actively probing a nationwide human trafficking network targeting young Indians, promising lucrative jobs in Russia. The scheme involves a Malad-based travel company, a Vasai-based overseas recruitment firm, and several officials. Traffickers use YouTube and local contacts to lure victims, who are then trained for combat roles and sent to the Russia-Ukraine war zone against their will. Tragically, two victims have already lost their lives. Passports are seized upon arrival in Russia, and victims are provided with army uniforms. Simultaneous searches at 13 locations across cities have yielded cash, incriminating documents, and electronic records. The investigation seeks to uncover the network's extent, the number of victims, and the money involved.

Global

New Research on the Harsh Realities of Migrant Smuggling in Southeast Asia
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) latest research on migrant and refugee smuggling in Southeast Asia reveals that one in four (of the 4,785 surveyed) smuggled refugees and migrants were influenced by climate-related issues to migrate and use smugglers. Additionally, corruption plays a significant role, with 25 per cent of smuggled individuals surveyed admitting to giving officials gifts, money, or favours in return for services. The study emphasises the need for safer routes and compassionate policies for those risking their lives in search of security and opportunity. The full research study can be accessed here.
The EU's Latest Pact on Migration and Asylum Advances Fairness & Efficiency
The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, proposed by the European Union in September 2020 and subsequently agreed upon by the European Parliament and the Council in December 2023, stands as a landmark initiative in addressing the complexities of migration within the European Union. Rooted in principles of fairness, efficiency, and human rights, the pact aims to streamline processes and establish a robust framework for managing migration. Key components include uniform screening rules, a common database for tracking movements, streamlined asylum procedures, and mechanisms for solidarity and crisis management among member states. Preceding its adoption, the pact had already yielded tangible results, including the implementation of an early warning system and enhanced cooperation on search and rescue efforts.
Invisible Heroes: Immigrant Workers’ Vital Role in America’s Infrastructure
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has highlighted the vital role immigrant workers play in maintaining American infrastructure. Tragically, six Latino construction workers lost their lives while repairing potholes on the bridge. They hailed from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, leaving behind grieving families. This incident underscores the need to acknowledge and protect the contributions of migrant workers, who often take on challenging jobs that others avoid. Hispanic workers are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to die on the job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with construction being a particularly deadly industry.
Changes in Legal Migration Rules in the UK
In March 2024, the United Kingdom underwent significant adjustments to its legal migration regulations aimed at addressing immigration concerns and refining visa policies. Notable changes include prohibiting newly arriving care workers from bringing immediate family members on their visa, reviewing the two-year Graduate Visa, increasing the minimum salary threshold for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa category from £26,200 to £38,700, and updating the Shortage Occupation List to restrict the number of eligible jobs for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. Additionally, the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse/partner visa is also set to gradually rise from £18,600 per year to £38,700 by early 2025. These modifications, introduced through adjustments to the Immigration Rules, will come into effect by April 11, 2024, without direct parliamentary voting unless actively overturned within 40 days by either the House of Commons or the House of Lords.
Migrant Exodus from Russia to Tajikistan Following Concert Hall Attack
In the aftermath of a concert hall attack near Moscow that resulted in numerous casualties, 4,644 migrants have left Russia for Tajikistan, as reported by the Tajikistan’s Ministry of Labour, Migration, and Employment. This surge surpasses previous records and highlights the vulnerability of migrant populations. While Russia’s economy relies on migrants for jobs in construction and services, they face rising anti-immigration sentiment and marginalisation. The situation underscores the need for safer migration routes and compassionate policies.

Good Finds

Portals of Memory & Migration: The Collages of Priya Suresh Kambli
The captivating world of Priya Suresh Kambli, an artist whose journey spans from Mumbai to the United States. Through her mesmerising collages, Kambli masterfully weaves a captivating narrative that transcends time and borders. Drawing inspiration from family photographs, those intimate glimpses into the past she melds generations, evoking memory, identity, and the delicate dance between erasure and preservation. Kambli’s artistic tapestries invite viewers to reflect on their own stories. Her collages become portals, bridging Mumbai and the US, inviting us to explore themes of migration, loss, and cultural heritage.
Podcast on Migrant Voices Brings Out Stories of Resilience and Connection
"Migrant Voices" is an incredible podcast platform that amplifies the often-overlooked narratives of migrants worldwide amidst the complexities of migration. Through firsthand accounts, it fosters empathy, challenges stereotypes, and highlights the shared humanity that transcends borders. Covering diverse topics such as individual migration experiences, resettlement, memories of home countries, and global migration trends, notable series like ‘NightWorkPod’ and ‘London Stories of Integration’ delve into aspects of cultural adaptation and the profound transformation of lives that migration entails. Each episode serves as a testament to the human spirit's tenacity and the courage required to navigate new paths.
Unveiling the Human Toll: The Reality of Migration in 'What's Unsaid'
In this episode of "What's Unsaid," host Ali Latifi engages in a candid conversation with Eric Reidy, The New Humanitarian’s migration editor, shedding light on the pressing issue of migration and its human repercussions. Reidy emphasises that while migration is a natural aspect of human history and societies, the true crisis lies in the humanitarian suffering and human rights abuses stemming from efforts to curb migration. With over 3,000 deaths recorded in the Mediterranean Sea in 2023 and the US-Mexico border becoming the deadliest land migration route globally, the discussion underscores the failure of populist rhetoric and tougher border policies to address migration effectively. Reidy advocates for better policies prioritising safety over deterrence, emphasising the need to confront the humanitarian consequences of migration. "What’s Unsaid" is a bi-weekly podcast by The New Humanitarian that delves into open secrets and uncomfortable conversations surrounding the world’s conflicts and disasters. Check it out!

Thank you. We will see you again next month!

Best Wishes,
The IMN Team

Research and Drafting: Pranoti Makarand Awalekar
Editorial Support: Pooja Bhatia

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