EU+ Asylum Applications Fell 17% as New EU Rules Took Effect
EU+ asylum applications fell 17% in the first half of 2026, but EUAA says the data does not yet show whether the bloc’s new pact caused the decline.
Refugees
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Five EU Countries Pursue Overseas Return Hubs for Rejected Migrants
Five EU countries will pursue overseas return hubs for some rejected asylum seekers, but no host country, facility or monitoring role has been finalized.
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Rohingya refugees demand safe return to Myanmar after nine years
Tens of thousands rallied in Cox’s Bazar as Myanmar cited new verification figures, while the U.N. and diplomats said conditions remain unsafe for return.
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Chad Raises Border Alert After Accusing Sudan of Airstrikes
Chad says airstrikes hit a convoy inside its territory on August 20. Sudan denies responsibility, while the African Union warns of wider regional escalation.
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Malaysia plans first return of 1,476 Myanmar nationals
Malaysia plans to return 1,476 eligible Myanmar nationals on September 29, but the group’s makeup and protection conditions in Myanmar remain unresolved.
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Afghan Returns Pass 1 Million as U.N. Plans for More Arrivals
More than 1 million returns to Afghanistan were recorded by August 1, while a U.N. plan prepares for nearly 2.7 million additional arrivals through December.
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EU Agrees to Extend Ukrainian Protection Through March 2028
EU countries agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians through March 4, 2028, while adding a future-applicant check tied to Ukrainian military obligations.
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Ceuta migration surge leaves Spain and EU facing asylum test
An emergency EU meeting followed a mass crossing into Ceuta, leaving Spain to manage about 1,000 minors as casualty and migration estimates remain unsettled.
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Malaysia Screens Myanmar Nationals for Possible Return
Malaysia has begun screening detained Myanmar nationals under a possible return arrangement, but the group’s composition, timing and protection safeguards remain unresolved.
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More than 500 feared dead or missing after Myanmar boat reports
UNHCR and IOM say more than 500 people are feared dead or missing after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya passengers reportedly disappeared off Myanmar.
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UN report: Discrimination remains widespread as inequality gains stall
A July UN report finds faster income growth for poorer households in many countries, but relative poverty, discrimination, weaker labor gains and displacement persist.
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Afghan returns from Pakistan top 600,000 as expulsions resume
UNHCR recorded 616,600 total Afghan returns from Pakistan through July 18 as Pakistan resumed expulsions and the U.N. sought $529.2 million.
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EU Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Through March 2028
EU countries agreed to extend temporary protection for people fleeing Ukraine through March 4, 2028, preserving key rights for 4.38 million people.
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Minnesota to review Medical Assistance eligibility for refugees and other noncitizens later this month
Minnesota will review certain Medical Assistance cases in late August and early September before federal eligibility changes take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
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North Dakota warns refugees and asylees of October changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
North Dakota Health and Human Services says a federal eligibility change taking effect Oct. 1, 2026, will revise the “qualified alien” definition used for SNAP and Medicaid, affecting refugees, asylees and other humanitarian categories identified by the agency.
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UNHCR Launches ‘The Promise’ as Refugee Convention Turns 75
UNHCR’s new campaign marks 75 years of the Refugee Convention while putting political pledges to a practical test: asylum access, safe returns and support.