Frey Lindsay
@freylindsay.bsky.social
Journalist - migration (all kinds, except bird and data)
@bbcworldservice, @statewatch.bsky.social, occasionally @InfoMigrants and others. He/him.
@bbcworldservice, @statewatch.bsky.social, occasionally @InfoMigrants and others. He/him.
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
The 11th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is here.
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
November 5, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The 11th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is here.
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
Here are some of the updates.
1. Global counter-smuggling alliance:
The EU prepares a joint declaration for its global alliance on migrant smuggling, aiming to extend enforcement powers “along the whole route.”
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
1/ What does the increasing relationship between Europol and private companies mean for our rights and democratic process?
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
1/ What does the increasing relationship between Europol and private companies mean for our rights and democratic process?
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
That's precisely what we cover in our latest analysis by @giacomoza.bsky.social
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
"I am convinced that the Sudanese people are capable of making peace and shaping their future."
How Sudanese refugees have adapted to displacement in Uganda ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
How Sudanese refugees have adapted to displacement in Uganda ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Sudanese in Uganda: ‘Life didn’t stop with the war’
Displacement is tough, but friendly policies and an adaptable mindset have helped Sudanese refugees to rebuild
www.opendemocracy.net
October 22, 2025 at 8:38 AM
"I am convinced that the Sudanese people are capable of making peace and shaping their future."
How Sudanese refugees have adapted to displacement in Uganda ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
How Sudanese refugees have adapted to displacement in Uganda ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
The 10th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The 10th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV
It covers:
• Progress on plans for major migration routes
• Frontex projects proposed in Egypt & Morocco
• Potential deportations from EU to Côte d’Ivoire
• & more.
Full issue, compiled by @freylindsay.bsky.social, here:
buff.ly/bWL4McV
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
Last week at @periodismomigra.bsky.social we had a great conversation w @gonzalofanjul.bsky.social @josebautista.bsky.social about development agencies and EU funds in externalization policies.
I wrote about the surveillance component of this EU approach to cooperation
gr.boell.org/en/2025/09/3...
I wrote about the surveillance component of this EU approach to cooperation
gr.boell.org/en/2025/09/3...
Outsourcing surveillance: The technological side of border externalisation | Heinrich Böll Stiftung - Thessaloniki Office
One of the latest iterations of the border externalisation strategy includes the export of surveillance technologies and border control infrastructure. These tools – ranging from biometric databases a...
gr.boell.org
October 7, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Last week at @periodismomigra.bsky.social we had a great conversation w @gonzalofanjul.bsky.social @josebautista.bsky.social about development agencies and EU funds in externalization policies.
I wrote about the surveillance component of this EU approach to cooperation
gr.boell.org/en/2025/09/3...
I wrote about the surveillance component of this EU approach to cooperation
gr.boell.org/en/2025/09/3...
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
🙋 Our colleague @dianavolpe.bsky.social providing much needed insight on how Italy outsources its 'dirty work' to Libya as part of a migration agreement, and why recent attacks on rescue ships are unlikely to turn the tide ⤵️
www.rfi.fr/en/internati...
www.rfi.fr/en/internati...
Italy-Libya migration pact under scrutiny as bullets fly
Years of criticism of an EU-backed migration pact between Italy and Libya are coming to a head as migrant rescuers say the Libyan coastguard has begun firing directly at them.
www.rfi.fr
October 8, 2025 at 9:12 AM
🙋 Our colleague @dianavolpe.bsky.social providing much needed insight on how Italy outsources its 'dirty work' to Libya as part of a migration agreement, and why recent attacks on rescue ships are unlikely to turn the tide ⤵️
www.rfi.fr/en/internati...
www.rfi.fr/en/internati...
With the help of @wlacher.bsky.social, analyst Marc Tilley and researcher Diana Volpe, I've attempted something approaching a comprehensive* explainer on what the Libyan Coast Guard is, and is not for @infomigrants.net www.infomigrants.net/en/post/6722...
The Libyan Coast Guard – explained
The Libyan Coast Guard is often in the spotlight, in connection with the role it plays in irregular migration from Libya to Europe. This attention has sharpened in recent years as it is increasingly i...
www.infomigrants.net
October 7, 2025 at 9:43 AM
With the help of @wlacher.bsky.social, analyst Marc Tilley and researcher Diana Volpe, I've attempted something approaching a comprehensive* explainer on what the Libyan Coast Guard is, and is not for @infomigrants.net www.infomigrants.net/en/post/6722...
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
Labour markets and refugees are increasingly dependent on each other, but the markets always have the upper hand.
Aslı Salihoğlu and @cthibos.bsky.social kicking off our new series on refugee labour in the global economy ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Aslı Salihoğlu and @cthibos.bsky.social kicking off our new series on refugee labour in the global economy ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Disposable yet indispensable: refugees in the global economy
Labour markets and refugees are increasingly dependent on each other, but the markets always have the upper hand
www.opendemocracy.net
October 6, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Labour markets and refugees are increasingly dependent on each other, but the markets always have the upper hand.
Aslı Salihoğlu and @cthibos.bsky.social kicking off our new series on refugee labour in the global economy ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Aslı Salihoğlu and @cthibos.bsky.social kicking off our new series on refugee labour in the global economy ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
The Libyan Coast Guard - explained @freylindsay.bsky.social @infomigrants.net
The Libyan Coast Guard – explained
The Libyan Coast Guard is often in the spotlight, in connection with the role it plays in irregular migration from Libya to Europe. This attention has sharpened in recent years as it is increasingly i...
www.infomigrants.net
October 4, 2025 at 7:20 AM
The Libyan Coast Guard - explained @freylindsay.bsky.social @infomigrants.net
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
The EU’s latest idea is to deport people to countries they have zero connection to.
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The EU’s latest idea is to deport people to countries they have zero connection to.
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
EU member states are talking about changing the “safe third country” rules so they can deport more people—even if it means undermining safeguards. And the Council agrees.
Read more: buff.ly/8RuyAP4
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
I shared some of my thoughts on the relationship between the EU, search and rescue NGOs, and the so-called Libyan coast guard in a conversation with Frey here:
Everybody knows the Libyan Coast Guard is involved in the mass abuse/torture/murder of people in Libya. Over the years this hasn't been enough for the EU to break off its partnership. The LCG is now targeting NGOs - apparently that used to be a Commission red line, but we'll see if it still is.
The Libyan Coast Guard fired hundreds of bullets at a rescue ship. The European Commission had suggested direct fire would be a ‘red line’. Now the line has been crossed, they show no signs of ending the partnership with Libya. ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
September 18, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I shared some of my thoughts on the relationship between the EU, search and rescue NGOs, and the so-called Libyan coast guard in a conversation with Frey here:
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
Rescue ship shooting: Where is the EU’s red line with Libya?
Rescue ship shooting: Where is the EU’s red line with Libya?
The Libyan Coast Guard attacked a rescue ship in international waters, but EU shows no sign of ending partnership
bit.ly
September 18, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Rescue ship shooting: Where is the EU’s red line with Libya?
Everybody knows the Libyan Coast Guard is involved in the mass abuse/torture/murder of people in Libya. Over the years this hasn't been enough for the EU to break off its partnership. The LCG is now targeting NGOs - apparently that used to be a Commission red line, but we'll see if it still is.
The Libyan Coast Guard fired hundreds of bullets at a rescue ship. The European Commission had suggested direct fire would be a ‘red line’. Now the line has been crossed, they show no signs of ending the partnership with Libya. ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Rescue ship shooting: Where is the EU’s red line with Libya?
The Libyan Coast Guard attacked a rescue ship in international waters, but EU shows no sign of ending partnership
www.opendemocracy.net
September 18, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Everybody knows the Libyan Coast Guard is involved in the mass abuse/torture/murder of people in Libya. Over the years this hasn't been enough for the EU to break off its partnership. The LCG is now targeting NGOs - apparently that used to be a Commission red line, but we'll see if it still is.
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
Frontex pays out hundreds of millions of euros every year to EU and Schengen member states.
We have visualised the data to show the scale and scope of the funding: more than €2 billion between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2024.
Read it here:
buff.ly/Tto3m1L
We have visualised the data to show the scale and scope of the funding: more than €2 billion between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2024.
Read it here:
buff.ly/Tto3m1L
September 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Frontex pays out hundreds of millions of euros every year to EU and Schengen member states.
We have visualised the data to show the scale and scope of the funding: more than €2 billion between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2024.
Read it here:
buff.ly/Tto3m1L
We have visualised the data to show the scale and scope of the funding: more than €2 billion between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2024.
Read it here:
buff.ly/Tto3m1L
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
The 9th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
It covers:
• The extensive operations across Africa;
• Plans to use development aid as leverage for deportations;
• Budget proposals with more external control and less democratic scrutiny;
And much more.
Read here: buff.ly/K5esfCb
It covers:
• The extensive operations across Africa;
• Plans to use development aid as leverage for deportations;
• Budget proposals with more external control and less democratic scrutiny;
And much more.
Read here: buff.ly/K5esfCb
September 9, 2025 at 10:38 AM
The 9th issue of the #ExternalisationBulletin is out now 🚨
It covers:
• The extensive operations across Africa;
• Plans to use development aid as leverage for deportations;
• Budget proposals with more external control and less democratic scrutiny;
And much more.
Read here: buff.ly/K5esfCb
It covers:
• The extensive operations across Africa;
• Plans to use development aid as leverage for deportations;
• Budget proposals with more external control and less democratic scrutiny;
And much more.
Read here: buff.ly/K5esfCb
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
“Ultimately workers and employers both need to know that the workers have the option to withdraw their labour and find another job, and won’t lose their immigration status or risk destitution if they are unable to work"
- @focusonlabour.bsky.social, in this new piece by @freylindsay.bsky.social
- @focusonlabour.bsky.social, in this new piece by @freylindsay.bsky.social
Kate Roberts @focusonlabour.bsky.social says the Employment Rights Bill (due back in parliament) “won’t do much” for seasonal workers. She says it's essentially incompatible with Labour’s commitment to improving labour standards. ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social
Seasonal workers: no halt to exploitation as scheme expands
Migrant workers’ legal precarity reveals incompatibility of Labour’s policies on worker’s rights and immigration
www.opendemocracy.net
September 2, 2025 at 9:10 AM
“Ultimately workers and employers both need to know that the workers have the option to withdraw their labour and find another job, and won’t lose their immigration status or risk destitution if they are unable to work"
- @focusonlabour.bsky.social, in this new piece by @freylindsay.bsky.social
- @focusonlabour.bsky.social, in this new piece by @freylindsay.bsky.social
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
Kate Roberts @focusonlabour.bsky.social says the Employment Rights Bill (due back in parliament) “won’t do much” for seasonal workers. She says it's essentially incompatible with Labour’s commitment to improving labour standards. ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social
Seasonal workers: no halt to exploitation as scheme expands
Migrant workers’ legal precarity reveals incompatibility of Labour’s policies on worker’s rights and immigration
www.opendemocracy.net
August 29, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Kate Roberts @focusonlabour.bsky.social says the Employment Rights Bill (due back in parliament) “won’t do much” for seasonal workers. She says it's essentially incompatible with Labour’s commitment to improving labour standards. ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
Migrant workers’ legal precarity reveals the incompatibility of Labour’s policies on worker’s rights and immigration.
How seasonal workers continue to face exploitation as the visa scheme expands ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
How seasonal workers continue to face exploitation as the visa scheme expands ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Seasonal workers: no halt to exploitation as scheme expands
Migrant workers’ legal precarity reveals incompatibility of Labour’s policies on worker’s rights and immigration
www.opendemocracy.net
August 28, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Migrant workers’ legal precarity reveals the incompatibility of Labour’s policies on worker’s rights and immigration.
How seasonal workers continue to face exploitation as the visa scheme expands ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
How seasonal workers continue to face exploitation as the visa scheme expands ✍️ @freylindsay.bsky.social ⤵️
www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
In the last months I've been speaking with young people, NGOs and influencers in Nigeria about how online gambling and gambling scams are exploding - with thousands of young Nigerians (many underage) falling into serious gambling problems and addiction
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w...
BBC World Service - Business Daily, Nigeria’s underage gambling problem
We hear how it's causing havoc amongst the country's young population
www.bbc.co.uk
July 22, 2025 at 7:50 PM
In the last months I've been speaking with young people, NGOs and influencers in Nigeria about how online gambling and gambling scams are exploding - with thousands of young Nigerians (many underage) falling into serious gambling problems and addiction
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w...
For the World Service, I've been speaking with people struggling with gambling problems in South Africa. NGOs and researchers also told me how Covid and cost-of-living crises have seen an alarming amount of people turning to gambling, just to make ends meet. www.bbc.com/audio/play/w...
BBC Audio | Business Daily | The rapid rise of online gambling in South Africa
We hear how the Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in young people gambling
www.bbc.com
July 21, 2025 at 10:27 AM
For the World Service, I've been speaking with people struggling with gambling problems in South Africa. NGOs and researchers also told me how Covid and cost-of-living crises have seen an alarming amount of people turning to gambling, just to make ends meet. www.bbc.com/audio/play/w...
Last week the Greek government announced an unlawful asylum suspension for people arriving from N. Africa. Now the new migration minister is pushing a bill to send rejected asylum seekers to prison if they don't return to their home country or Libya. Thanks to @manos.ms and @adrianatdn.bsky.social
Prison or exit: Greek migration minister expected to continue crackdown on asylum legislation eualive.net/prison-or-ex... By Frey Lindsay
Prison or exit: Greek migration minister expected to continue crackdown on asylum legislation
Following last week’s news that the Greek parliament had approved a measure to suspend asylum ...
eualive.net
July 16, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Last week the Greek government announced an unlawful asylum suspension for people arriving from N. Africa. Now the new migration minister is pushing a bill to send rejected asylum seekers to prison if they don't return to their home country or Libya. Thanks to @manos.ms and @adrianatdn.bsky.social
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
"New deterrents” are not the solution. This new deal will cause considerable further harm, resulting in the forcible transfer of people back to France.
Read @vickytaylor.bsky.social's new piece for @opendemocracy.net :
Read @vickytaylor.bsky.social's new piece for @opendemocracy.net :
‘One in, one out’ Channel deal is just another cruel gimmick
Don’t be fooled by Labour’s show of providing safe migration routes. It’s justifying a cruel trade in people
www.opendemocracy.net
July 11, 2025 at 12:32 PM
"New deterrents” are not the solution. This new deal will cause considerable further harm, resulting in the forcible transfer of people back to France.
Read @vickytaylor.bsky.social's new piece for @opendemocracy.net :
Read @vickytaylor.bsky.social's new piece for @opendemocracy.net :
Reposted by Frey Lindsay
IMIS and #SFB1604 member @mauricestierl.bsky.social commented to EUalive on the EU's migration control strategy: Framing migration across the Mediterranean as “instrumentalized” might serve as “an attempt to justify further derogations or restrictions on asylum on this route.”
Internal Affairs Commissioner seeks new migration deals in Libya
European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner is expected to travel to Libya ...
buff.ly
July 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
IMIS and #SFB1604 member @mauricestierl.bsky.social commented to EUalive on the EU's migration control strategy: Framing migration across the Mediterranean as “instrumentalized” might serve as “an attempt to justify further derogations or restrictions on asylum on this route.”
Mitie, a major player in UK immigration detention, has just been awarded $192m to run the infamous Campsfield immigration prison when it reopens later this year. This makes a certain sense - it was Mitie's running of Campsfield which saw it shut in the first place. www.forbes.com/sites/freyli...
$192m Contract To Reopen Notorious U.K. Immigration Detention Center
The center was closed in 2019 amid outcry over conditions for inmates. The government, pledging to do things differently, has hired the same contractor to run it.
www.forbes.com
July 3, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Mitie, a major player in UK immigration detention, has just been awarded $192m to run the infamous Campsfield immigration prison when it reopens later this year. This makes a certain sense - it was Mitie's running of Campsfield which saw it shut in the first place. www.forbes.com/sites/freyli...
For @eualive.bsky.social: EU Migration chief Brunner has begun talking about the 'weaponisation' of migration from Libya to the EU, orchestrated by Russia and Belarus - suggesting he may be considering invoking 'hybrid warfare' to justify harsher (or more openly harsh) methods in the Mediterranean.
Internal Affairs Commissioner seeks new migration deals in Libya
European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner is expected to travel to Libya ...
eualive.net
July 3, 2025 at 10:47 AM
For @eualive.bsky.social: EU Migration chief Brunner has begun talking about the 'weaponisation' of migration from Libya to the EU, orchestrated by Russia and Belarus - suggesting he may be considering invoking 'hybrid warfare' to justify harsher (or more openly harsh) methods in the Mediterranean.