Canada Rejects Over 1,596 Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025.

Canada has denied 1,596 asylum applications from Nigerians between January and August 2025, fresh data from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) show. 

Out of 3,548 claims filed so far, 2,292 were accepted—an approval rate of about 65 per cent, higher than in previous years.

Nigeria remains one of the top sources of asylum seekers in Canada, alongside Mexico, India, Haiti and Colombia. Analysts link the surge to insecurity caused by Boko Haram and economic hardship. Most claimants are hosted in Ontario and Alberta.

Under Canadian law, the IRB grants protection if applicants meet the UN definition of refugees or face risks such as tort¥re or cruel treatment in their home countries. 

Social groups considered include women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS. Claims are usually filed at ports of entry or through immigration officers before referral to the Refugee Protection Division.

Despite the recent rise in approvals, Nigerian claims have historically faced high rejection rates. Between 2013 and 2024, the IRB denied 13,171 applications and accepted 10,580. Rejections peaked in 2019 with 3,951 cases. In 2024 alone, 811 were denied, while 2,230 were approved.

Nigeria ranked eighth among the top 10 countries with the most successful claims last year, following Turkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

Speaking on the trend, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, said many Nigerians misunderstand refugee laws, leading to rejections. 

“Documentation is crucial. Coming irregularly gets you rejected. But migration must be safe, orderly and regular, and those truly in need of protection should be protected,” she said.

Over 600 Killed In Afghan Earthquake.

A devastating earthquake and multiple aftershocks have killed at least 610 people and injured more than 1,500 in eastern Afghanistan, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The quake struck near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province just before midnight, flattening homes and triggering mass casualties. Rescue operations are ongoing with support from the UN and local emergency teams.

#Afghanistan #Earthquake #BreakingNews #GlobalCrisis

US Court Blocks Deportation of Hondurans, Nepalese, Nicaraguans Under TPS

A U.S. federal court in California has temporarily halted the deportation of Hondurans, Nepalese, and Nicaraguans whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was revoked by the Trump administration.

In a 37-page ruling, District Judge Trina Thompson criticized the government's actions, writing, “The freedom to live fearlessly, the opportunity of liberty, and the American dream. That is all plaintiffs seek... Instead, they are told to atone for their race, leave because of their names, and purify their blood.”

The Trump administration ended TPS for over 51,000 Hondurans and 3,000 Nicaraguans granted after Hurricane Mitch in 1998, and for about 7,000 Nepalese protected following the 2015 earthquake. Similar actions affecting citizens of Afghanistan, Haiti, Cameroon, and Venezuela are also under legal scrutiny.

Judge Thompson said the terminations appeared to be driven by a “preordained” political motive and possibly “racial animus,” referencing Trump’s 2024 campaign rhetoric about migrants “poisoning the blood” of the country.

The deportation pause will remain in effect until a full hearing scheduled for November 18.

#TPSDeportationBan #ImmigrationJustice #TrumpPolicies #USFederalCour

Nigerian Passport Jumps to 88th on Global Rankings — Highest in 5 Years.

Nigeria’s passport has reached its highest position in five years, climbing to 88th out of 199 countries in the latest Henley Passport Index released on July 18.

The ranking, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and expert analysis, places Nigeria alongside Ethiopia and Myanmar, countries it was previously grouped with when ranked 91st earlier this year.

Despite the slight improvement, the Nigerian passport still only allows visa-free access to 45 countries, similar to last year when it ranked 92nd. In July 2023, Nigeria was ranked 90th but later dropped to 97th, trailing behind African nations like Burundi, Cameroon, and Liberia. The passport ranked 98th in 2022 and had dropped as low as 103rd in 2021.

In the latest index, Nigeria ranked above just six African countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia—similar to last year’s standings.

Seychelles maintained its position as Africa’s most powerful passport, despite slipping from 22nd to 24th globally, offering visa-free access to 156 destinations.

Globally, Singapore remains the strongest passport, granting access to 193 countries, while Afghanistan continues to rank last, with visa-free access to only 25. The United States, which once topped the index in 2014, now sits at 10th place.

Afghan man, 45, 'marries 6-year-old girl as 3rd wife before Taliban intervene and insist he must wait until she is 9.

A man has married a 6-year-old girl as his third wife in Afghanistan after she was given away for money by her parents.

According to Amu.tv.,the Taliban were forced to intervene in the union after a disturbing photo of the 45-year-old mam and a little girl standing together left many people horrified.

The youngster had allegedly been exchanged by her father for money to a man who already has two wives.

The marriage was set to take place last Friday in Helmand province but the Taliban stepped in and arrested both men involved.

No charges were brought against them but they have forced the man to wait until the girl is nine before he can take her home, local media said.

UN Women reported last year that there has been a 25 per cent rise in child marriages in Afghanistan after the Taliban banned girls' education in 2021.

They also said there has been a 45 percent increase in childbearing across the country.