Germany's Repatriation Improvement Act, aimed at limiting irregular migration by expediting repatriations and deportations, particularly for criminals and those in criminal organizations, has come into force. The law extends detention periods, increases search powers, and modifies residence permits and benefits for asylum seekers. Critics, including Pro Asyl and SOS Humanity, express concerns over the risk of criminalization for sea rescuers and the potential for increased self-harm and suicide among deportees. Amendments to the law provide some concessions, such as free legal representation for those in pre-deportation detention. Despite these changes, the number of deportation orders in Germany has decreased.

Senegal, traditionally a stable country in Africa, is experiencing growing economic challenges and social unrest, prompting an increase in irregular migration. Many are risking dangerous journeys to Europe, with a significant number of Senegalese nationals being denied asylum. The dangerous sea route to Spain's Canary Islands has seen record numbers of migrants, with Senegalese President Macky Sall implementing emergency orders to curb migration. Political tensions are rising as President Sall faces opposition and protests, with concerns over human rights and youth unemployment. Economic disparities in the fishing industry, exacerbated by outdated pricing agreements and illegal fishing practices, have also contributed to the migration surge. The situation is creating a domestic crisis as the working-age population declines, and Senegal's future trajectory is at risk.

An investigation by German public broadcasters and the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper uncovered a secret deportation agreement between the German government and Iraq. The deal, which aims to increase deportations of rejected Iraqi asylum seekers, has been criticized for its lack of transparency. Despite the rise in deportations, many Iraqis in Germany with failed asylum claims remain under a tolerance permit, avoiding deportation unless they commit crimes. The agreement includes provisions for legal migration and the readmission of nationals, with Iraq now willing to accept more of its citizens back. The German opposition has demanded that the government disclose the details of the deal, while the European Commission has acknowledged working more closely with Iraq on return and readmission policies.

The article discusses the mixed feelings of the residents of Kallstadt, Germany, the ancestral home of President-elect Donald Trump. With Trump's rise to prominence, Kallstadt has received an overwhelming amount of media attention, which has disrupted the daily lives of its inhabitants. Locals, including a bakery worker and builders, express their discomfort with the media presence and their varying opinions of Trump. Jörg Dörr, from the local tourism office, notes the increase in tourism but also the village's hesitance to embrace their connection to Trump. The article also touches on the historical irony of Trump's grandfather's illegal emigration from Germany and the local cemetery's graves of distant Trump relatives, as well as the Heinz family, another American dynasty with roots in Kallstadt.

The article reports on the welcoming attitude of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, towards refugees, highlighting the role of the Amish and Mennonite communities in supporting newcomers. Lancaster has been dubbed 'America's refugee capital,' having taken in over 1,300 refugees since 2013. Church World Service is one of the agencies actively resettling refugees in the area. The article discusses the historical and religious reasons for the community's tolerance and willingness to integrate refugees from various countries, including Syria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the Trump administration's policies that aim to reduce the number of refugees admitted to the US, the local community remains optimistic and committed to supporting refugees. The article also touches on the economic and social benefits that refugees have brought to Lancaster, as well as the concerns raised by the current political climate in the US.

The article explores the life of exiled Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who resides at the Golden Generation Retreat and Worship Center in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. Gulen is accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, a claim he denies. Despite the tranquil setting of his exile, Gulen's followers in Turkey face persecution, with thousands detained or suspended from work. The article details the security measures at the compound, the history of Gulen's relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the current status of the Gulenist movement, both in Turkey and abroad. It also touches on the personal life of Gulen, who at 77, remains secluded in his compound, reportedly never having learned English and expressing no intention to leave his sanctuary in the Poconos.

The article discusses the potential impact of Mitt Romney's Mormon faith on his second bid for the presidency. It highlights the growing visibility and influence of Mormonism in the United States, which is now the fourth-largest religious denomination in the country. Despite past controversies, Mormonism is receiving positive attention through celebrities like Gladys Knight and Glenn Beck, and through popular culture, with references to a Broadway musical by the creators of South Park, the play 'Angels in America', and an autobiographical show at the Edinburgh fringe festival. The article suggests that this could either help or hinder Romney's campaign and the image of the Mormon church.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains steadfast in his opposition to the EU's migration policies, despite facing setbacks such as the EU withholding €22 billion in funds over issues including LGBTQ+ rights and academic freedom. Orban's government has been criticized for introducing homophobic laws and for the 'Stop Soros Law' targeting George Soros' philanthropic work aiding migrants. Fitch Ratings warns that Hungary's refusal to align with the EU on migration could damage its reputation and credit rating. The EU's proposed asylum compromise, which aligns with some of Orban's policies, is yet to be discussed by the EU Parliament.

Germany has resumed its reception program for vulnerable Afghans after a three-month suspension due to concerns over potential abuse of the admission procedures. The program prioritizes Afghans in Pakistan and Iran, with 1,480 on the waiting list in these countries. Applicants must undergo extensive interviews at the German embassy in Islamabad. The backlog exceeds 14,000 cases, and the processing rate is expected to be slow, with no personnel currently in Islamabad for interviews and reports suggesting a capacity of only five interviews per day. The Federal Reception Program aims to allow up to 1,000 people per month to leave for Germany, but no Afghans have yet arrived through this program.

NGOs, including Alarm Phone and Sea-Watch, accuse Malta of leaving migrants at sea to be intercepted by Libyan militias, specifically the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar. Despite distress calls and GPS location sharing, the migrants were reportedly taken back to Libya, facing potential human rights abuses. The Maltese Armed Forces deny the accusations, stating no boat was found and they have no jurisdiction over actions in international waters. The UN agencies IOM and UNHCR confirm 485 people were returned to Libya but could not verify if they were the same migrants. Human rights organizations criticize Malta's policy of 'non-assistance' and the EU's support of Libya's coast guard, implying complicity in the mistreatment of migrants.

The article by Sertan Sanderson explores the poverty experienced by a segment of South Africa's white population, living in conditions similar to black township residents. The focus is on Munsieville, where the South African Family Relief Project (SAFRP), founded by Leigh Du Preez, is working to alleviate the poverty of white families affected by unemployment and racial tensions. The article discusses the impact of Black Economic Empowerment policies and the struggle of white families to find employment and basic living conditions. It also touches on the broader issues of inequality and the government's role in addressing poverty across all racial groups. Personal stories from the Munsieville camp, including that of a competitive runner, Irene van Niekerk, highlight the community's challenges and resilience.

Durban, South Africa's third-largest city, is experiencing a surge in tourism and urban regeneration, particularly since being named one of the 'New7Wonders Cities' in 2015 and hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The city's inner areas, despite investment, still struggle with poverty and crime, while neighborhoods like Glenwood and Florida Road are becoming gentrified, attracting tourists and digital nomads. The KwaZulu-Natal tourism board promotes international brands like Starbucks as part of the city's appeal. However, the regeneration efforts seem to benefit mainly the wealthy, with areas like the Durban Promenade being revitalized for tourist appeal. Local artisans like Zungo, who makes traditional Zulu beadwork, still face economic challenges, indicating that the city's renewal has not reached everyone equally.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a prominent figure in South Africa's history, has had a significant influence on the arts and culture of the nation. Known affectionately as 'The Arch,' Tutu's message of forgiveness and reconciliation during the apartheid era resonated with many artists, leading to his portrayal in various forms of art, from murals to music. His philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasizes communal unity, has inspired a transformation in South African art, encouraging a blend of African and European influences and the reclamation of the Afrikaans language for nation-building. Tutu's legacy extends beyond his political and social activism, as he is also celebrated for his contributions to the country's cultural renaissance, making South Africa a vibrant hub for arts and culture on the African continent.

The expulsion of Germany's ambassador to Chad, Jan-Christian Gordon Kricke, following his remarks on Chad's delayed transition to civilian rule, has led to a diplomatic spat between the two nations. Germany responded by expelling Chad's ambassador, Mariam Ali Moussa. The German Foreign Ministry's public support for Kricke's stance on human rights and civil governance in Chad, despite the tension, suggests a lack of genuine regret. The article reflects on the importance of diplomacy and timing in expressing opinions, especially in sensitive political contexts. It also highlights the complex challenges faced by Chad, including military rule, pro-democracy protests, Islamist militancy, and severe economic issues.

The article criticizes the travel bans imposed on South Africa due to the omicron variant of COVID-19, arguing that they are ineffective and harm the country's tourism industry. It praises South African scientists for their transparency in identifying the variant and suggests that instead of ostracizing the nation, efforts should be made to increase vaccination rates. The article also points out that the omicron variant was present in Europe before being detected in southern Africa and questions the logic behind labeling it as an 'African' variant.

Migrant and refugee arrivals by sea from Turkey to Greece and Italy have returned to pre-COVID levels, with significant increases in arrivals compared to last year. Afghans, facing rejection in Turkey and fleeing Taliban rule, are the largest demographic among new arrivals in Europe. The EU Commission is advocating for a shift from 'damage control' to a comprehensive European migration policy, while the UNHCR reports significant internal displacement within Afghanistan. German officials anticipate increased activity at borders in the coming weeks.

The article discusses the emergence of 'refugee porn', a genre where migrants are sexualized, and its potential social implications. It highlights the ease of access to pornography and how adult films are increasingly incorporating current affairs, like migration, into their content. Experts like Professor Jakob Pastötter and Associate Professor Jennifer Johnson provide contrasting views on the impact of such pornography. The article notes a correlation between the popularity of refugee porn and election periods in German-speaking countries, suggesting a possible link with nationalist sentiments. It also addresses the experiences of porn actors with migrant backgrounds, like Mia Khalifa and Antonio Suleiman, who have faced both fame and threats due to their work. The article raises concerns about the objectification of migrants, the perpetuation of stereotypes, and the potential for such content to influence attitudes towards violence and sexuality.

Voluntourism, the practice of volunteering abroad during holidays, is gaining popularity among young people seeking meaningful activities. Nozuko Masiba of the International Cultural Youth Exchange center in South Africa emphasizes that volunteers are there to learn and understand their own privilege, not just to help communities. The experience is also about personal growth and reconciliation. Despite the benefits, there are dangers such as violence, with past incidents highlighting the risks. Volunteers are advised to respect local customs and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. The article also shares the experiences of volunteers like Rachel Hoblit, who found her work in Lesotho rewarding.

Muhsin Hendricks, a gay imam in Cape Town, South Africa, leads the Inner Circle, an organization that supports queer Muslims in reconciling their sexuality with their faith. Despite facing death threats and opposition from traditionalists like Imam Yusuf Pandy, Hendricks remains committed to challenging the patriarchy within Islam and promoting a more inclusive interpretation of the religion. The Open Mosque, founded by British scholar Taj Hargey, also welcomes queer Muslims. South Africa's constitution protects homosexual rights, but many Muslim South Africans are resistant to these changes. Nusaybah Deaves, a personal trainer and artist, advocates for open discussions on homosexuality within Islam to prevent negative outcomes like drug addiction among excluded individuals.

The article discusses the emergence of Ateizm Dernegi, Turkey's first official atheism league, amid the political climate shaped by the Islamic-conservative AKP party. With the AKP potentially losing its majority in the upcoming elections, the league represents a growing number of dissenting voices in Turkey. The league, which now has around 150 members, aims to provide a platform for atheists in a country where atheism is often met with discrimination and hate speech. Vice-president Morgan Romano and board member Zehra Pala, who have both faced persecution and discrimination for their beliefs, spoke at the group's first public conference in Germany. They highlighted the daily struggles of atheists in Turkey, where they are often equated with terrorists and Satanists. Despite the challenges, Ateizm Dernegi is determined to continue its advocacy, emphasizing that its members are no longer alone.