Migration is an intrinsic part of human history. This phenomenon is informed by different motivations, ranging from seeking work or economic opportunities to studies, family reunions, escaping conflicts, or large-scale human rights violations. While some migrate out of choice, others do so out of necessity. This phenomenon’s prevalence has shifted because of modernisation. Technological advances have greatly influenced the migration of people from one Country to another. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognises the positive contribution of migrants to sustainable development and inclusive growth. The central core principle of this Agenda is the “leave no one behind” principle, which includes migrants. The data on migration by the Population Division of the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs shows that the latest estimates for 2020 show that the number of international migrants worldwide, people residing in a country other than their Country of birth, reached 281 Million. What then is the role of Artificial intelligence in immigration enforcement? Different countries have adopted various forms of artificial intelligence, including facial recognition systems at the border crossing and algorithms designed to predict the potential outcomes of asylum claims. This has consequently reduced the backlog of cases in immigration courts and agencies. However, Criticisms exist regarding the operational efficiency of Artificial Intelligence tools and the risks they pose to immigrants’ privacy rights and civil liberties. Human rights concerns about privacy infringements have been raised. Thus, the governments and sectors responsible should seek to establish a regulatory framework that harnesses the potential of Artificial Intelligence while mitigating its risks.
December 5, 2025