Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office, has said Ghana’s property market must undergo urgent reforms to attract investment from the diaspora. He argued that the sector’s current challenges have created a trust deficit that discourages Ghanaians abroad from investing in real estate back home. Speaking at the Ghana Expo Property & Lifestyle 2025 (Global Edition) in Accra, Darko said that adequate housing is a cornerstone of human dignity and social stability

Hundreds of members of the Kurdish diaspora gathered in Vancouver this weekend to protest the recent assault on Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo, Syria. The demonstrators demanded urgent action from the Canadian government to pressure Damascus to halt violence against Kurdish civilians. The protests follow reports of intense military operations between January 8 and 11, during which Syrian government forces and allied Turkish-backed militias reportedly besieged and attacked t

A Canadian federal court has granted a Nigerian woman temporary relief from deportation after finding that immigration officials failed to adequately consider the psychological and social harm she could face if forced to return home because she is childless. Christianah Olanipekun, who has lived in Canada since 2014, told the court that returning to Nigeria would expose her to deep social stigma, emotional distress, and family pressure in a society where infertility is often

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on Liberians living overseas to take a more active role in shaping the country’s economic future by investing directly in businesses and productive sectors at home, rather than limiting their support to remittances and charitable giving. The President made the call during a farewell engagement with members of the Liberian diaspora at the Executive Mansion, where he stressed that sustainable economic growth and job creation cannot be de

Source: AFP Thousands of members of the Iranian diaspora took to the streets across major cities in the United States over the weekend, staging coordinated demonstrations against the Iranian government’s violent suppression of anti-government protests back home. The largest turnout was recorded in Los Angeles, widely regarded as the global hub of the Iranian diaspora, while smaller but vocal rallies were held in New York and other urban centres. In Los Angeles, demonstrators

Canadian immigration authorities have confirmed that the list of academic programmes eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will remain unchanged throughout 2026, offering clarity and stability to international students planning their studies and career pathways. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that no new courses will be added and none removed from the existing eligibility list during the year. The decision effectively freezes the f

Kenyans living and working overseas sent home Sh649.9 billion in 2025, underlining the continued importance of diaspora remittances to the country’s foreign exchange position. Data released by the Central Bank of Kenya shows total inflows for the 12 months to December reached $5.04 billion, up from $4.95 billion recorded in 2024. The increase represents a 1.9 per cent annual rise, translating to an additional Sh11.9 billion sent into the economy. While annual figures showed g

Jamaicans living abroad have been encouraged to take part in the ongoing election process for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC), as preparations intensify to select new representatives. In Canada, the deadline for individuals seeking to contest council positions is Monday, January 19, 2026. The nomination window will close ahead of the publication of the official list of approved candidates, scheduled for January

Tensions in Minneapolis escalated this week as President Donald Trump warned of invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces in response to widespread protests against federal immigration enforcement. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by an immigration officer, which has sparked nationwide demonstrations. Protests initially focused in Minneapolis have spread to neighboring cities, with demonstrators confronting heavily armed federal agents pat

Lebanon is facing a likely delay in its 2026 parliamentary elections amid a political deadlock over how Lebanese citizens living abroad will cast their votes. Government sources indicate that without a resolution on diaspora participation, holding elections on schedule in May is increasingly improbable. The core dispute revolves around the existing law, which grants expatriates six dedicated seats in Parliament. While supporters insist on maintaining this framework, oppositio

Dutch far-right activist and social media influencer Eva Vlaardingerbroek has reportedly lost her eligibility for visa-free travel to the United Kingdom. The move follows her online promotion of anti-immigration rhetoric and conspiracy theories, including references to the so-called “great replacement.” Vlaardingerbroek shared an image on social media showing a notice from the UK government stating that her Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) had been cancelled. The notice

New Zealand has urged its citizens and diaspora in Iran to leave the country immediately, following a sharp escalation in nationwide anti-government protests. Authorities cited growing security risks and a deteriorating environment for foreigners as reasons for the urgent advisory. The New Zealand embassy in Tehran has been temporarily closed, and all diplomatic staff have been safely evacuated. Embassy operations have been relocated to Ankara, Turkey, where officials will co

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu The Kenyan government has announced new support measures for its diaspora community in Saudi Arabia with the introduction of a 24-hour emergency consular service for nationals in distress. The State Department for Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Kenyan Consulate General in Jeddah has activated a toll-free emergency line that operates кругл around the clock. The service is intended to provide immediate assistance on safety

Members of the Iranian community in Cyprus have renewed calls for political action, urging the country’s parliament to publicly support protesters in Iran amid reports of escalating violence and human rights abuses. On Thursday, Iranian residents assembled outside the House of Representatives in Nicosia, where they submitted a formal memorandum to Speaker Annita Demetriou. The document calls on Cyprus to express solidarity with Iranians protesting against the country’s leader

Russia has announced the expulsion of a British diplomat accused of working for UK intelligence. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Britain’s charge d’affaires and demanded the diplomat leave the country within two weeks. The expelled diplomat, identified as Gareth Samuel Davies, served as the second secretary at the UK Embassy in Moscow. Moscow warned London against escalating the situation, promising a “firm symmetrical response” if retaliation occurs. The move continues

Diaspora representatives from across the Turkic World convened in Vienna from January 13–14, 2026, for the third Diaspora Capacity Building Training Program, aimed at strengthening connections and collaboration among communities in Europe. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the visibility and influence of Turkic diasporas internationally. The program began with a cultural gala featuring performances by renowned Turkic artists at a local concert hall. Diploma

A Venezuelan national was injured after being shot in the leg by a U.S. immigration officer during a law enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred during a traffic stop carried out by federal immigration agents. According to official accounts, the man resisted arrest, leading to a physical confrontation between him and an officer. The situation escalated when two other individuals reportedly emerged from a nearby apar

Benin has introduced a new citizenship programme aimed at people of African descent worldwide, enabling them to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. The initiative, known as “My Afro Origins,” is designed to recognise historical ties and offer a formal pathway to citizenship for eligible applicants. The programme requires applicants to provide documentation or DNA evidence proving their lineage to Benin. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and cannot hold citizenship

The United States government has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, a decision that will require affected individuals to leave the country by March 17, 2026, or face deportation. The move marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s hardline immigration posture. The decision has immediate implications for thousands of Somalis, particularly in Minnesota, which hosts the largest Somali community in the United States

The Ghanaian community in Canada is gearing up to welcome the Black Stars as they prepare for their World Cup clash against Panama on June 17. Members of the diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area, numbering around 60,000, say they can’t wait to cheer on midfielders Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, as well as forwards Jordan and Andre Ayew. Emmanuel Duodu, president of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO), said the team’s visit is a source of pride and excitemen