An Italian court has declared a decree restricting sea rescue unlawful. The decree issued by the Italian government stipulates that only the migrants most in need of protection from a rescue ship are allowed to go ashore.

A Vietnamese family faces imminent deportation after a last-ditch attempt to be granted residence failed. Pham Phi Son has lived in Germany for 35 years -- his daughter is due to start school this summer.

Survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey will be able to apply for visas to join family members in Germany under special new procedures. The aim is to cut down on bureaucracy, but for Syrians the hurdles are still high.

Last week's European Council meeting has given a "new gift" to human traffickers, according to Italian associations promoting migrant rights. The organizations said defending the European Union's external borders is not incompatible1