Argentina's Milei government plans to launch a new National Migration Agency under the Ministry of Security, aiming to bolster border control and combat transnational crime. The initiative follows a reported record number of foreign national expulsions and a tightening of immigration policies.
Argentina's Milei government is creating a new National Migration Agency under the Ministry of Security, replacing the existing Directorate of Migration. This move, inspired by US border policies, aims to enhance border control and has coincided with a reported record number of foreign national expulsions and stricter immigration laws.
Brazil's Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship welcomed 93 Brazilian nationals deported from the United States on January 30, 2026, at Belo Horizonte/Confins Airport. This operation is part of the 'Aqui é Brasil' repatriation program, which provides comprehensive support to vulnerable returnees. The program, launched in 2019, has facilitated the return of over 3,200 citizens.
French authorities reported rescuing 6,177 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel to the UK in small boats in 2025, with 25 fatalities and two individuals remaining missing. The year saw nearly 50,000 people attempt the perilous journey, resulting in 41,472 arrivals in the United Kingdom.
A recent CSA poll indicates that 67% of French voters back a temporary 2-3 year pause on most categories of legal immigration. The survey, conducted for CNEWS, Europe 1, and Journal du Dimanche, highlights broad public support for Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's proposal, despite concerns from business and academic sectors.
Brazil has commenced its 2026 humanitarian repatriation efforts, with the first flight landing in Belo Horizonte on January 7-8, bringing 32 nationals deported from the United States. The 'Aqui é Brasil' program, coordinated by the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, provides comprehensive support to returnees, continuing a program that has repatriated over 3,100 citizens since 2019.
Spain's government has approved a royal decree to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants. The measure, bypassing parliamentary approval, aims to address labor shortages and demographic challenges, allowing eligible individuals to obtain work and residency permits.
Pope Leo XIV received the new UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, in a private audience at the Vatican. Their discussions focused on the escalating global displacement figures, marking a significant high-level engagement on humanitarian challenges early in 2026.
Asylum seekers in the Netherlands face significantly longer waiting times for case assessments by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Over half of new requests now exceed 15 months, despite a recent decline in first-time asylum applications. The IND attributes delays to a persistent backlog and increased complexity, leading to substantial penalty payments.
Alireza Jeyrani Hokmabad, a senior Iranian diplomat and deputy head of Iran's mission to the UN in Geneva, has sought asylum in Switzerland for himself and his family. The decision reportedly stems from fears of repercussions due to ongoing political and social upheaval in Iran and concerns about the stability of the Islamic Republic's government.
France's National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) reported that the country recorded a negative natural population balance in 2025, with deaths outnumbering births by approximately 6,000. This marks the first time since the end of World War II that France has experienced such a demographic shift, driven by declining birth rates and an increase in deaths.
Registers Iceland reports that foreign nationals now comprise 20.4% of the country's population, totaling 83,950 individuals, as of January 1, 2026. This marks a significant demographic shift, with a steady increase observed in recent years.
Brazil has introduced a new interministerial ordinance, effective January 1, 2026, establishing a unified humanitarian immigration regime. This framework replaces previous country-specific visa programs and mandates NGO hosting capacity for applicants, aiming for a more structured and dignified reception process.
Thousands of residents from Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba have been evacuated after a days-long power outage, caused by a snapped power line, led to severe damage to homes and the water treatment plant. Extreme cold temperatures resulted in burst pipes and compromised infrastructure, forcing approximately 4,000 people to seek shelter elsewhere.
Migrant arrivals to southern Greece, particularly Crete and Gavdos, from Libya have surged fivefold in 2025, with nearly 20,000 people reaching the islands. This influx, primarily of Egyptian, Sudanese, and Bangladeshi nationals, has strained local resources and prompted calls for increased EU and national action to manage the new migration route.
Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that the country will not admit any migrants in 2026 and will refuse to contribute financially to the European Union's migration pact. This declaration reiterates Hungary's long-standing opposition to the EU's migration policies, which are set to take effect in July 2026.
The Greek Coast Guard successfully rescued 52 migrants in two distinct operations on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Thirteen migrants were found on Farmakonisi island, where a child was reported missing, prompting an extensive search. Separately, 39 individuals were rescued from an inflatable boat off southern Crete, near Kaloi Limenes. These incidents highlight the ongoing dangers of Aegean Sea crossings.
The UNHCR has recognized Italy for its decade of support, providing safe pathways to over 11,000 refugees from 24 countries. Initiatives include humanitarian corridors, resettlement programs, and emergency evacuations, offering a new start to vulnerable individuals.
The Hellenic Coast Guard, supported by Frontex and commercial vessels, rescued 545 migrants from an overcrowded fishing boat 16 nautical miles southeast of Gavdos on Friday, December 19, 2025. The individuals, primarily from Egypt, Sudan, and Bangladesh, were safely transported to Agia Galini on Crete, highlighting a surge in arrivals from Libya to Greece's southern islands.
A recent YouGov poll indicates that 53% of Germans fully support the federal government's plans to curb asylum immigration, with a total of 76% expressing support. The survey, conducted in December 2025, highlights widespread public desire for stricter migration policies, including a moratorium on new arrivals and increased deportations.
