The growing pressure on Chile’s northern border

Over the past several years, Chile’s northern frontier has become one of the main migration routes into the country. Thousands of migrants, many travelling from Venezuela, Haiti and other parts of Latin America, have crossed through Bolivia before entering Chile via remote border points in the Andean plateau.

For Kast’s government, the situation represents a serious challenge to national security and state capacity. Officials argue that irregular crossings are linked not only to humanitarian migration but also to organised crime networks, including human trafficking, smuggling and drug transport routes operating across the Andean region.

The proposed border measures, therefore, go beyond a simple wall. The plan includes trenches, high fencing, electronic surveillance systems, drones and an expanded military presence along vulnerable sections of the frontier.

A difficult border to control

The border between Chile and Bolivia runs for roughly 860 kilometres across one of the most inhospitable landscapes in the world. Much of it cuts through high-altitude desert terrain in the Atacama Desert, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically, and infrastructure is scarce.

Policing such terrain has always been difficult. Even today, large sections of the frontier remain largely unmonitored.

For critics, this raises doubts about the practical effectiveness of building walls in such an environment . They argue that migration routes tend to adapt quickly to new barriers, often shifting to more remote or dangerous paths.

Regional and diplomatic implications

The proposal has also generated discussion in Bolivia, where some officials and analysts worry about the potential diplomatic impact of a heavily fortified border.

Relations between the two countries have long been shaped by historical tensions dating back to the War of the Pacific, which left Bolivia landlocked after losing its coastline to Chile.

Although trade and cross-border movement have continued in the decades since, the idea of a physical barrier raises concerns about the future dynamics of mobility and cooperation in the region.

At the same time, migration across the Andes is rarely a purely bilateral issue. Many migrants travelling through Bolivia have already crossed several countries before reaching Chile, making the phenomenon part of a much broader regional migration system.

The difficulty of naturalisation typically depends on several factors, including minimum residency requirements, language proficiency standards, financial thresholds, cultural integration tests and restrictions on dual citizenship.

Some countries are also said to operate highly discretionary systems. Even if applicants technically meet eligibility criteria, final approval may rest with interior ministries or heads of state.

In short, strict timelines, limited approvals and political discretion combine to make certain passports exceptionally difficult to acquire.

The 10 hardest countries to get citizenship

Qatar

Qatar is widely cited as one of the most restrictive citizenship regimes in the world. Under Qatari law, foreigners must generally reside in the country for 25 years before applying, speak Arabic fluently and demonstrate good conduct. Even then, approvals are capped annually and granted at the discretion of authorities. Naturalisation numbers remain extremely low relative to the country’s large expatriate population.

Vatican City

Citizenship in Vatican City is not granted through traditional naturalisation. It is tied to employment or official roles within the Holy See. When a person’s service ends, Vatican citizenship typically ends as well, making it functionally impossible to obtain through standard residency pathways.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein requires long-term residence, often 30 years, though time spent as a minor may count differently, and approval at both municipal and national levels. According to Global Citizen Solutions, local community votes can influence decisions, making the process highly selective.

Bhutan

Bhutan’s citizenship framework is rooted in strict national identity laws. Applicants must meet lengthy residency requirements, demonstrate cultural assimilation and obtain government approval. The country maintains tight controls over naturalisation to preserve its demographic balance.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi citizenship is difficult to secure without lineage. While the kingdom introduced reforms allowing certain highly skilled professionals to apply, approvals remain rare. Applicants must meet residency, language and background requirements, and the process is highly discretionary.

Kuwait

Kuwait has one of the most restrictive nationality laws globally. Naturalisation is limited and often prioritises specific categories, such as long-standing residents with particular qualifications. Stateless populations in Kuwait highlight how tightly controlled citizenship remains.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s naturalisation process is rigorous and decentralised. Applicants typically need 10 years of residency, must demonstrate integration and language skills, and are assessed at federal, cantonal and municipal levels. Local authorities can reject applications based on community integration criteria.

China

China does not generally recognise dual citizenship and rarely grants naturalisation. According to official Chinese nationality law, applicants must have close relatives who are Chinese nationals or other legitimate reasons for approval, which are narrowly interpreted.

North Korea

Citizenship in North Korea is largely determined by birth and state classification systems. There is no transparent or accessible naturalisation pathway for foreign nationals.

Japan

Japan requires five years of residence for naturalisation, proof of financial stability and renunciation of previous citizenship in most cases. While not impossible, Passportivity notes that Japan’s prohibition on dual nationality and detailed background checks make the process demanding.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Historically, UAE citizenship was almost unattainable for expatriates. In 2021, the government introduced amendments allowing select investors, scientists and professionals to be nominated. However, approval remains invitation-based and tightly controlled.

A common list of 'safe countries of origin'

The EU has introduced its first common list of “safe countries of origin.” The list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia. EU candidate countries, including those in the Western Balkans, are also generally presumed safe.

Under the new rules, asylum applications from individuals coming from these countries will be processed through an accelerated procedure. This is intended to enable faster decisions and quicker rejections of claims considered unfounded.

The burden of proof has also shifted. Instead of the EU demonstrating that a country is unsafe, the individual applicant must now prove they have a “well-founded fear of persecution” or face a risk of serious harm in their specific case.

A country may be removed from the list if it experiences armed conflict, if its citizens have an asylum recognition rate above 20%, or if it faces sanctions for human rights violations.

Changes to the 'safe third country' rule

The reforms expand the “safe third country” concept, which allows the EU to transfer asylum seekers to countries outside the bloc.

Previously, an applicant was generally required to have a connection to a third country, such as family ties or prior residence, before being transferred there. Under the new rules, this “connection” requirement has been removed. Individuals may now be sent to countries they have never entered, provided there is an agreement between the EU and that country.

This change allows for the possibility of processing asylum claims outside EU borders through arrangements sometimes described as “offshore processing” or “return hubs.” Similar models have been attempted by the United Kingdom and are currently used by Italy in Albania.

Transfers can only take place if the third country agrees to assess the asylum application on its merits and complies with international standards, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning a person to a country where they may face danger.

Scope and exemptions

The new framework is designed to reduce what authorities describe as “manifestly unfounded” applications and to ease pressure on member states’ asylum systems.

Unaccompanied minors are exempt from transfer to safe third countries unless they have a direct connection to that country or have transited through it.

Human rights organisations have raised concerns that the changes may disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and survivors of violence, who may face challenges in proving their need for protection under accelerated procedures.

Political context

The reforms reflect what many observers describe as a “hardening” of EU migration policy . This shift follows years of rising anti-immigration sentiment and the growth of far-right political parties across several member states.

Supporters argue that the new rules will end “legal limbo” for migrants by delivering quicker decisions, address what they call “abuse” of the asylum system, and create a more “credible and functioning” framework based on shared responsibility among member states.

Concerns raised by critics

Humanitarian organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have warned of potential risks.

They cite concerns about possible human rights violations, particularly in countries such as Egypt and Tunisia, whose records have been widely scrutinised. Some Members of the European Parliament have also warned that third countries could use migration agreements to “blackmail” the EU in exchange for financial support.

Another concern relates to the removal of the “automatic suspensive effect” on appeals. Critics argue that this change could result in individuals being deported before a court determines whether their transfer was lawful.

The measures will take effect after formal approval by the Council. Most elements are scheduled to be implemented by June 2026, with some provisions, including the safe country lists, potentially coming into force earlier.

Tanzania is facing a sharp rise in diabetes cases, with uneven access to insulin worsening the burden on patients, especially in rural areas. Data from the National Health Information System (DHIS2) show the number of people living with diabetes climbed from 680,445 in 2021 to 863,741 in 2025, a 27 percent increase. Speaking at the International Conference on Access and Distribution of Insulin (ACCISS) in Unguja, Zanzibar, Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla said equitable access to insulin remains critical. “Diabetes is a global health challenge… ensuring equitable access to life-saving insulin remains essential,” he said . More than 2.9 million Tanzanians live with diabetes, with over 10,000 relying on insulin to survive.

Samia pushes Africa-Caribbean cooperation

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has advanced Tanzania’s economic diplomacy at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, holding talks with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and UN Tourism leadership. Discussions focused on strengthening Africa-Caribbean ties, expanding trade, investment, aviation connectivity, tourism, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Browne praised Tanzania’s handling of recent post-election security issues, noting that the formation of an independent Commission of Inquiry reflected “commitment to accountability and constitutional order.” President Samia also highlighted ongoing reconciliation and constitutional reform efforts.  

Drone technology in agriculture

Tanzania has officially introduced drones as part of efforts to modernise agriculture and increase productivity. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba launched the initiative in Dar es Salaam at the African Conference on Sustainable Use of Agricultural Tools. Officials said the drones can spray up to 3.5 acres in just 10 minutes and carry up to 60 litres or 60 kilograms of agricultural inputs. The drones will be operated through partnerships involving the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Cashew Board and crop regulatory authorities.  

Routine US immigration raids

Tanzanian communities in the United States are increasingly living under fear as immigration enforcement operations intensify. What were once sporadic arrests have become routine daytime raids in workplaces, transport hubs and streets. Many Tanzanians have withdrawn from public life, stopped posting online, or avoided community gatherings. “I just feel like they could track me online,” said a Tanzanian resident in New York. In Minnesota, several Tanzanians have reportedly been detained and transferred to a Texas deportation camp, while others describe frequent ID checks. Community members note ICE restrictions, including the requirement for a judicial warrant to enter private homes.

Uganda secures $6.3m meteorological upgrade

Uganda has secured a $6.3 million UN-backed grant to modernise its weather infrastructure through the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF). The project will improve forecasting, expand compliance with global observation standards, and strengthen nowcasting capacity for extreme weather alerts. Officials said shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures underscore the urgency of stronger climate resilience across the region.

Bad Bunny’s use of the word “Americans” reflects a broader cultural and geographic identity that includes people across the entire American continent, not just citizens of the United States . In many parts of Latin America, “America” is understood as the landmass stretching from Canada to Argentina and Chile, a perspective that sees Latinos and others from the hemisphere as part of a shared continental identity. This contrasts with the narrower US usage of “American” to mean citizens of the United States .

His remarks resonated at a time when immigration, identity and national belonging are central issues in political and public debate in the United States. Discussions around border enforcement, deportations and the treatment of migrant communities have intensified in recent years, often accompanied by polarising language. By stressing shared humanity and a broader, continental sense of belonging, Bad Bunny positioned his message against narratives that frame immigrants as outsiders.

His appeal to love over hatred, which he described as the most powerful response to division, reflected an attempt to shift the conversation away from fear and confrontation towards empathy and inclusion.

The moment gained widespread attention not only because it was part of a historic night for Latin music, with a Spanish-language album winning major awards, but also because it highlighted how cultural platforms can intersect with social and political issues. For many viewers in Latin America and beyond, his words underscored a sense of belonging that transcends national borders and reflects deep historical and cultural connections across the Americas.

According to ICE’s data , 56 people died in ICE custody between 2009 and 2017, during the Obama administration. From 2017 to 2020, under the first Trump administration, the number was 52. Between 2021 and 2024, during the Biden administration, ICE reported 26 deaths.

What emerges from ICE records and independent investigations is a pattern of medical vulnerability. Many of those who died had chronic illnesses, mental health conditions , or were recovering from trauma linked to migration and detention.

Causes of death listed by ICE include heart attacks, suicide, COVID-19 complications, dehydration, and other untreated or poorly managed medical conditions. Reviews cited by NPR and the American Immigration Lawyers Association have repeatedly found delays in care, ignored complaints, and failures to transfer detainees to hospitals in time.

What is obvious is how little this pattern changes with political leadership. Every administration has pledged improvements to detention standards, yet deaths continue to occur.

Immigration lawyers argue that detention itself is the central risk factor. Facilities are not designed to provide long-term or complex medical care, yet they routinely hold people with serious health needs.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association and other advocacy groups continue to push for alternatives to detention, particularly for asylum seekers and medically vulnerable individuals. They point to evidence that community-based supervision is not only safer but also more cost-effective and humane.

The record shows that deaths in ICE custody are not isolated incidents tied to a single president or policy shift. They are a recurring outcome of a detention system with longstanding medical failures and weak accountability.

The most pressing question now is no longer how the numbers compare across administrations, but why preventable deaths continue to happen in the first place..

The MEDP includes a dispute-resolution clause that allows for arbitration. According to Rwanda, the dispute relates to the UK’s non-compliance with specific commitments under the treaty.

In June 2024, the UK and Rwanda exchanged diplomatic notes agreeing to two financial contributions of £50 million each, scheduled for April 2025 and April 2026. These payments were intended to support refugee hosting and economic integration in Rwanda. Rwanda asserts that the UK has failed to make these payments.

The agreement also included arrangements for the UK to resettle some of the most vulnerable refugees hosted in Rwanda. However, these arrangements were never finalised. 

Following the January 2024 election, the new UK government announced that the partnership would be discontinued. 

Rwanda argues that these announcements were made before the treaty's formal termination procedures were followed and that all obligations incurred while the treaty was active remain valid under international law.

Rwanda says it first attempted to resolve the issue through diplomatic engagement. When no agreement was reached, it proceeded to initiate arbitration, as provided by the treaty. 

The UK had originally proposed the MEDP as part of its strategy to manage irregular migration. The plan was consistent with Rwanda’s refugee policies and aligned with its cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Michael Butera, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, said: “Rwanda attempted at first to clarify positions and explore possible paths forward, indicating openness to discussion, including on the orderly conclusion of the partnership, provided that any arrangements were mutually agreed and legally consistent.” 

“As these discussions did not result in a shared understanding, we exercised the dispute-resolution option expressly provided in the treaty,” he told the New Times .

Regarding the expected outcome, Butera said: “Through arbitration, Rwanda seeks a legal determination of the parties’ respective rights and obligations under the treaty, in accordance with international law.” 

He affirmed that Rwanda remains committed to collaboration on migration, refugee protection and development, based on “respect for the rule of law, reciprocity between partners, and the orderly resolution of disputes through agreed legal frameworks.”

The MEDP was originally announced by the UK Government on April 14, 2022, under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a partnership with the Rwandan Government to process and resettle asylum seekers arriving in the UK without authorisation to the East African nation. The initiative aimed to curb illegal entry, especially via small boats across the English Channel.

It was subsequently renamed the UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership. Through this agreement, individuals seeking asylum in the UK would be relocated to Rwanda before their asylum applications were considered.

However, in November 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful due to safety concerns in Rwanda. Following a change in government, the plan was officially cancelled in July 2024, after the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Act in April 2024. 

The decision, outlined in a recent policy update, has immediate implications for families, workers, and migrants across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America .

The suspension primarily affects immigrant visas, meaning individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States are the most impacted. This includes family-sponsored visas, diversity visas, and certain employment-based pathways.

Non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and short-term work visas may still be issued in some cases, but the overall message is clear that permanent migration routes into the US are being sharply narrowed.

According to the Trump administration, the move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, strengthen national security, and protect domestic employment.

The 75 countries span multiple continents, including Somalia, Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Yemen, Colombia, Cuba, Thailand, and Brazil.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused. At the same time, the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the State Department.

This latest suspension does not exist in isolation. It follows months of restrictive measures , including travel bans, asylum limitations, and tighter vetting procedures, since Donald Trump returned to office.

Whether the policy will face successful legal opposition or be revised under political pressure remains uncertain. For now, millions of people across 75 countries are left waiting, watching, and recalculating their futures.

Full list of affected countries:

Afghanistan , Albania , Algeria , Antigua and Barbuda , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Bahamas , Bangladesh , Barbados , Belarus , Belize , Bhutan , Bosnia , Brazil , Cambodia , Cameroon , Cape Verde , Colombia , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Cuba , Dominica , Egypt , Eritrea , Ethiopia , Fiji , The Gambia , Georgia , Ghana , Grenada , Guatemala , Guinea , Haiti , Iran , Iraq , Ivory Coast , Jamaica , Jordan , Kazakhstan , Kosovo , Kuwait , Kyrgyzstan , Laos , Lebanon , Liberia , Libya , North Macedonia , Moldova , Mongolia , Montenegro , Morocco , Myanmar , Nepal , Nicaragua , Nigeria , Pakistan , Republic of the Congo , Russia , Rwanda , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Senegal , Sierra Leone , Somalia , South Sudan , Sudan , Syria , Tanzania , Thailand , Togo , Tunisia , Uganda , Uruguay , Uzbekistan and Yemen .

“Even if America decides that I should no longer enter America, it’s okay. I will enter Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria — I will enter Africa, my home,” Malema said at a press conference organised by the Economic Freedom Fighters, a party he leads.

Malema also poked fun at American food, saying a trip to the US would only leave him eating “burgers” and getting “fat,” while travelling within Africa offered richer experiences.

He singled out Nigeria’s jollof rice — a West African dish made with rice cooked in tomatoes, peppers and onions — as a better alternative.

“So why must I fight for burgers instead of jollof?” he said. “When you’re in Nigeria, you must taste yourself.”

Hefty visa bonds

The topic Malema was speaking about became more apparent recently when the United States expanded its visa bond policy to 38 additional countries, many of which are in Africa. 

Under the policy, applicants for standard B1/B2 business or tourist visas from designated countries may be required to post a refundable bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000, set at the discretion of consular officers during interviews.

The newly added countries include Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. They join earlier additions such as Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia and others.

The bond does not guarantee visa approval and is returned if an application is denied or if a successful applicant complies with the terms of their stay. US officials say the measure is intended to deter visa overstays and reinforce compliance with immigration rules.

Critics, however, argue that the sums involved create prohibitive financial barriers, effectively pricing out many travellers, entrepreneurs and families from poorer economies. A US$15,000 bond far exceeds average annual incomes in several affected countries, raising concerns that travel to the United States will become inaccessible for many.

The measure forms part of a broader tightening of US visa rules, alongside mandatory in-person interviews and increased scrutiny of applicants’ travel histories and social media activity.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the temporary “departure bonus” aims to facilitate voluntary returns during the holiday period. “If you wish to return voluntarily to your country of origin and are illegally present in the US, we will provide $3,000 and a plane ticket to help you get home,” Noem told Fox News . She emphasised that the programme is valid only until the end of the year.

The initiative follows an earlier scheme announced in May, which offered $1,000 and a return flight for migrants opting for voluntary departure. Noem stressed that those who wait to be intercepted, detained, or deported through enforcement channels may lose the opportunity to return legally in the future.

Migrants seeking to participate are advised to download and use the official CBP Home app to coordinate their departures. The DHS has indicated it will prioritise ensuring participants reach their home countries in time for Christmas, framing the programme as a combination of logistical support and financial incentive aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance with immigration rules.

The government will also simplify paperwork through a one-stop digital portal that allows employers to register migrant workers for health insurance more easily. Each medical visit under the scheme will continue to cost a fixed co-payment of S$5, whether consultations are in person or online.

Singapore’s Minister of Manpower said the reforms will ease pressure on public hospitals, strengthen the country’s health care system and improve preparedness for future health emergencies, while ensuring migrant workers receive timely and reliable care.

"Migrant workers will have shorter travel times, receive help more quickly when they are sick, and experience less disruption to their work and rest schedules."

Launched in 2022, the PCP now covers more than 500,000 migrant workers in sectors such as construction, marine and manufacturing. Officials say about 90% of workers report that healthcare has become more accessible and less expensive since the scheme began.

The results reflect a shift in public sentiment following July’s House of Councillors election, with growing concerns about social impact and security. 

When asked to choose from a list of possible effects of having more foreigners living in Japan, 68% said public safety would worsen, while 63% feared difficulties due to cultural and language differences. 

At the same time, however, 61% acknowledged a key benefit: that foreign workers could ease persistent labour shortages in an ageing society .

Younger Japanese appeared especially anxious about safety. Among respondents aged 18 to 39, almost eight in ten said they believed public security would deteriorate if more foreign nationals settled in Japan. That compares with 72% in the 40–59 age group and 59% among those aged 60 and above. 

Yet older people were also more likely to recognise the economic advantages of welcoming migrants: 67% of respondents over 60 said foreign workers help fill labour gaps, compared with 53% in the youngest group.

On the topic of national politics , dissatisfaction remains deep. A record 88% of respondents reported dissatisfaction with the current political situation. For the first time since tracking began in 2018, a majority, or 52%, said they favoured change over stability in national leadership.

Despite this rising discontent, the LDP remains the party most voters want to see in government , backed by 48% of respondents. It was followed by the Democratic Party for the People with 31%, and both the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Japan Innovation Party at 25%.

The mail-in survey was conducted nationwide between September 24 and October 31, spanning the end of the Ishiba Cabinet and the start of the Takaichi administration.

The move marks a significant shift in a country that maintains a strict ban on dual citizenship. For decades, those with mixed heritage or long-term family connections to Indonesia have been forced to choose between legal status and emotional belonging, often leaving many feeling distanced from the country despite deep roots.

The policy is aimed particularly at former Indonesian nationals and members of the Indonesian diaspora who have either lost or never held Indonesian citizenship. It also addresses long-standing challenges faced by foreigners married to Indonesian citizens, who have historically been restricted by complex residency rules.

Announcing the programme, Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs Agus Andrianto said the GCI was designed to resolve the longstanding debate around dual nationality. 

“GCI is a solution to answer the dual citizenship policy with the broad right to stay for foreign nationals (WNA) who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing their citizenship status and without violating the rules of other nations,” he said.

He added that the new policy demonstrates Indonesia’s capacity to keep pace with global migration trends. 

“GCI is a solution addressing the polemic of dual nationality by granting extensive residency rights to foreigners closely connected to Indonesia, without changing their foreign citizenship status and without violating national regulations,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Immigration, eligible individuals include former Indonesian citizens; their descendants up to the second generation; spouses of Indonesians or former Indonesians; and children born to a legally recognised mixed-nationality marriage.

The programme will not be universally available. Those excluded include applicants from countries once within Indonesia’s territorial borders, foreign military personnel, intelligence officers and individuals involved in separatist movements.

The GCI sits alongside Indonesia’s existing visa categories, including the much-publicised Golden Visa, which targets major investors and highly skilled professionals and offers residency for five to ten years. For tourists or short-stay visitors—particularly in popular destinations such as Bali—the 30-day e-Visa on Arrival remains the standard option and can be extended once.

Minister Andrianto said the ministry would ensure that the GCI offers legal clarity, administrative simplicity and international competitiveness. 

He pointed to similar schemes overseas, such as India’s Overseas Citizenship of India programme, as evidence that such policies can succeed without compromising sovereignty.

For Andrianto, this reform signalled a shift in Indonesia’s immigration philosophy. 

“Indonesian Immigration will always respond to global needs and challenges. GCI is proof that our immigration policy is not static, but will continue to transform following the development of the times,” he said.

Families reported spending nights outdoors near the border crossing, with limited access to shelter, food, and basic services . Several migrants described the journey north as their last attempt to find stability after struggling to secure work and legal status in Chile. Instead, they now face uncertainty in a space where neither country is allowing them to move freely.

The situation reflects rising tensions between Chile and Peru over migration flows, as both governments have increasingly tightened their border policies in recent months. For migrants, these shifts translate into immediate humanitarian consequences, particularly for those travelling with children, elderly relatives, or limited resources.

As entry into Peru remains restricted, some migrants have attempted to negotiate with officials, while others simply wait, hoping the authorities will eventually allow passage. Many expressed frustration at the absence of clear communication about what documents or procedures would allow them to cross, deepening their sense of abandonment in a region they do not consider home.

For those stranded at the border, the standoff has become more than a diplomatic dispute, it is a daily struggle for safety, dignity, and the chance to keep moving. With no resolution in sight, migrants remain trapped between two states, facing a humanitarian situation that neither country appears ready to fully address.

Speaking at the Santa Rosa immigration complex, Jeri said Peru’s borders have “long been known for their vulnerabilities” and stressed that the situation requires “serious reflection” as a matter of state policy . He explained that the government will pursue a coordinated, multisector response to strengthen security across border provinces, including those adjacent to Chile.

Jeri said the first step will be the declaration of a state of emergency, allowing the Army to support the National Police in securing border areas and preventing irregular activities “by individuals of other nationalities who may enter with different intentions.”

He also emphasised that only travellers with proper documentation will be allowed to enter, adding that tightening border controls is essential to ongoing efforts to tackle crime. Preventing people from entering “irregularly,” he said, is key to addressing the country’s broader security challenges.

The announcement comes shortly after Chilean presidential candidate Jose Kast visited the Chile–Peru border, where he pledged to expel Venezuelan migrants from Chile if elected. It also follows a period in which Peru has adopted increasingly forceful measures in response to rising crime rates nationwide.

According to SCB Statistic s, Syrians make up the largest foreign-born population in many southern and central counties.

Their presence reflects migration patterns driven largely by the Syrian civil war and Sweden’s humanitarian response during the 2015 refugee influx.

Finns remain the largest foreign-born group in many northern counties, a long-standing pattern due to Sweden and Finland’s close historical, linguistic, and geographic ties.

Norway also appears as the top foreign-born group in one central county, consistent with the regular cross-border movement among Nordic citizens.

Iraqis stand out in Stockholm County, where long-term migration, family reunification, and labour opportunities have shaped the community over several decades.

Meanwhile, Eritreans form the largest foreign-born group in a key coastal county, reflecting ongoing migration from East Africa due to political instability and forced conscription.

This new data is especially relevant as Sweden engages in wider European discussions on migration management. The EU is moving forward with the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which aims to create a more balanced and predictable system for handling asylum applications.

"A new system replaces the old Dublin rules (regarding seeking asylum in the first EU country) and clarifies which Member State is responsible for the examination, and creates a fairer distribution of asylum seekers. It also introduces a new joint management of migration crises and cooperation with third countries," Migrationsverket reports.

Sweden’s own government has signalled a stricter approach to immigration while also acknowledging the country’s need for skilled labour in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

The president stressed that no financial concessions were made to Washington and that the understanding is “limited, carefully vetted, and aligned with ECOWAS protocols.” He said it reflects Ghana’s Pan-African commitment to regional cooperation while safeguarding national sovereignty and security.

Mahama also revealed that trade talks with the US are still underway, including discussions to revise a 15% tariff and renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has long granted duty-free access for African exports.

Other African nations, including Rwanda , Eswatini, and South Sudan, negotiated similar deals with the US to curb undocumented migration while seeking fairer trade terms.

On September 23, Chilean President Gabriel Boric addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, announcing Chile’s nomination of former president Michelle Bachelet for Secretary-General of the UN. Boric described the role as crucial amid “tensions, prolonged conflicts, climate crisis and humanitarian crisis.” The proposal has been framed by the ruling party as a matter of state, but the opposition has reacted cautiously. 

Boric calls for Netanyahu trial over Gaza war

In his UN address, Boric demanded accountability for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for him to face charges of genocide before an international court. He condemned civilian deaths in Gaza, stressing that the loss of children “resonates far beyond Gaza” and is felt in Chile. The president also criticised violations of sovereignty, assassinations on neutral ground, and wars waged under false pretences, urging renewed international dialogue and cooperation.

Mandatory voting set to shape presidential race

Chile’s Congress is moving to enforce compulsory voting in the 2025 presidential election, with fines of up to 103,000 pesos ($136) for abstention. With voter registration now automatic, this will be the first time all eligible citizens must vote. Analysts suggest the measure could benefit conservative frontrunner José Antonio Kast, who is vying to succeed Boric in November’s elections.

Right-wing candidate pledges mass deportations of undocumented migrants

Far-right presidential candidate José Antonio Kast has vowed to deport all undocumented migrants, including children, if elected. He said illegal migration would be criminalised and offenders held in detention centres until expulsion. Kast also pledged special prisons for foreign nationals convicted of crimes. His hardline stance echoes past proposals, such as building a wall along Chile’s border with Bolivia. Polls show Kast tied with communist candidate Jeannette Jara, with both leading conservative Evelyn Matthei. Rising crime and insecurity remain central voter concerns ahead of the November 16 first-round vote.

Dispute over imported human legs for training

Thirty human legs imported from the United States for surgical training in Chile have been stranded in a Santiago warehouse for over a year pending a Supreme Court decision. The Health Authority argues that cadavers used for teaching and research must originate from domestic donations, while the Surgical Medical Training Centre (CEMQ), the importer, is challenging the restriction. The case has highlighted ongoing shortages of body donations for medical training in Chile, with universities increasingly struggling to supply anatomy labs.

Trump claimed that in 2024, the UN allocated $372 million in cash assistance to support an estimated 624,000 migrants “journeying into the United States,” including food, shelter, transportation , and debit cards. “The UN is supposed to stop invasions, not create them and not finance them,” he declared.

The U.S. president argued that the U.S. southern border had been overwhelmed during the Biden administration, with “25 million” crossings in four years, before asserting that migration has now “totally stopped” under his leadership.