Migrante Europe

Author: Jun Saturay

IMA Global statement on the raid of AMUMRA office by Argentina Police

IMA Global statement on the police raid of the office of Association of Migrant and Refugee Women (AMUMRA) in Argentina

The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) strongly condemns the raid on November 21, 2024, which occurred at AMUMRA (Association of Migrant and Refugee Women in Argentina), one of the IMA members based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The violence perpetrated by police officers ordered by the Minister of Justice under the administration of Javier Milei, should not happen to an organization of migrant and refugee women from various countries that has a mandate for social change in Argentina.

For 21 years, AMUMRA has dedicated itself as a nonprofit organization advocating for the rights of migrant and refugee women and their families. AMUMRA, which has gained local and international recognition, is involved in monitoring developments and participating in the approval of migration policy in Argentina, as well as the ratification of ILO Convention 189. AMUMRA has successfully carried out various activities using its resources, without assistance from the Argentine government.

The raid that occurred demonstrates how the administration of Javier Milei does not support the struggle of migrant and refugee women to get their rights in the host country and the movement of migrants and refugees in the country is increasingly restricted by the government. The violence and discrimination exhibited by the government limit the freedom of migrants and refugees to access the protection and rights they should receive.

The IMA condemns the actions of the Argentine government that restrict the activities of migrant and refugee advocates and calls on the Argentine government to respect the right to association as written in ILO Convention number 87. We express our support and solidarity for AMUMRA and all migrant and refugee communities around the world to keep organizing and continue fighting for migrants’ and refugees’ rights and protection.

26 November 2024
11 Filipino migrant workers forced to live in steel shipping containers in New Zealand

IMA statement on 11 Filipino migrant workers forced to live in container vans in Auckland, Aotearoa

22 November 2024

The International Migrants Alliance expresses grave concern over the dire situation faced by 11 Filipino migrant workers who were forced to live in container vans in Auckland, Aotearoa. The migrant workers were promised a better livelihood by recruitment agencies but only found themselves in such exploitative living and working conditions.

This situation of the 11 Filipino migrant workers is not isolated as some migrant workers of different nationalities in New Zealand have reported issues of living in or cramped in unsanitary accommodations, experiencing exploitative working conditions, and labor trafficking.

The IMA calls on the New Zealand government to thoroughly investigate this case while providing the necessary support to the migrant workers. Recruitment agencies and companies found to be involved in the exploitation of the workers should be punished.

The IMA likewise calls on the Philippine government to provide immediate and unconditional support to their nationals, conduct their own investigation on the case, and apprehend any recruitment agency, company or individual found complicit to the case.

The IMA hails Migrante Aotearoa, trade unions and other migrants’ rights advocates in Aotearoa who continue providing support to the 11 Filipino migrant workers and all migrant workers.

Justice for the 11 Filipino migrant workers!

Migrant workers are not commodities!

26 November 2024
Spain to grant residence permits to nearly a million migrants

🇪🇸✨ “Exciting” News from Spain: Residency Permits for Undocumented Migrants! ✨🇪🇸

The Spanish government has recently announced a significant initiative to grant residency permits to nearly 1 million undocumented migrants over the next few years. According to Spain’s Immigration Ministry, this move will address labor shortages in key sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction, as well as to promote social integration and improve the overall economy. This initiative primarily targets undocumented migrants already residing in Spain for several years, including many Filipino workers who face challenges of undocumented status. But not all undocumented workers will be qualified for this opportunity.

While specific criteria are still being finalized, advocates of regularization of irregular workers anticipate that applicants may need to demonstrate at least proof of continuous residence and work in Spain, and employment or job offers in sectors facing labor shortages.

Many undocumented immigrants are hoping that gaining residency permits will provide legal protection and stability. Among the long-awaited benefits of gaining legal status would include access to social services such as healthcare, social services, and legal employment opportunities. Many undocumented workers who have been staying in Spain for many years are hoping that it will also allow their family members to join them legally in Spain.

This news comes against the backdrop of a long-standing issue: the failure of the Philippine government to provide sufficient job opportunities at home. Policies like Marcos’ 1984 Labor Export Policy have historically encouraged Filipinos to seek work abroad, and promoting Filipino workers as cheap and docile workers. leading many to go to countries like Spain in search of better livelihood and stability.

As this plan unfolds, it represents a hopeful moment for many undocumented migrants, particularly within our Filipino community in Spain, while families back home endure harsh social, political and economic hardships and realities. But the burning questions for undocumented migrants in Spain are, who are qualified for this opportunity, and what awaits those who dont make it to the mark?

Spain #Immigration #ResidencyPermits #FilipinoWorkers #UndocumentedMigrants #CommunitySupport #LaborExportPolicy

20 November 2024
GABRIELA to PBBM, “Grant clemency!”

𝗚𝗔𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗔 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗛, 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗝𝗿. 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆

MANILA, Philippines – The national alliance GABRIELA welcomes reports of possible transfer of Mary Jane Veloso from Indonesia to the Philippines as a positive development in the 14-year struggle for justice for the Filipino trafficking victim. The women’s group demands Marcos Jr. to pursue all diplomatic channels to secure her transfer and ultimately grant her clemency upon return to Philippine soil.

“Matagal nang ipinaglalaban ng mga kababaihan at mga migranteng Pilipino ang kalayaan ni Mary Jane. Ang posibilidad ng kanyang paglipat sa Pilipinas ay bunga ng patuloy na pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino,” said Clarice Palce, Secretary General of GABRIELA.

The case of Mary Jane Veloso starkly illustrates the plight of countless Filipino women forced to seek work abroad due to the lack of decent and regular jobs in the country. Like many others, she fell victim to human trafficking syndicates that prey on desperate women from impoverished communities.

“Mary Jane is not a criminal – she is a victim of human trafficking and the government’s labor export policy that pushes our women to take desperate measures to support their families,” Palce emphasized.

GABRIELA maintains that Mary Jane deserves clemency on humanitarian grounds, given her status as a trafficking victim and the absence of death penalty in the Philippines. We demand Marcos Jr. to secure her transfer through available legal mechanisms and ultimately granting her freedom to reunite with her family.

“The Filipino people have not forgotten Mary Jane. Her case represents the continuing struggle of Filipino women against trafficking, poverty, and injustice. Now is the time for concrete action to bring her home,” Palce concluded.

GABRIELA call on all women’s organizations and advocates to remain vigilant and continue the campaign for Mary Jane’s freedom. The fight for justice continues until she is finally reunited with her loved ones. ###

19 November 2024