Migration news roundup 11 September 2023

• Stories that inspired us this week
• International news
• UK borders and migration policy
• Specific migrant groups
• Cohesion and integration

Stories that inspired us this week

To mark the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile, this exhibition in Sheffield reflects on the events. Sheffield welcomed over 300 Chilean refugees at the time. Hundreds gathered in Sheffield to remember the coup, and a screening of Ken Loach’s short film on the subject, ‘9/11’ was shown (watch it here). (Sources: Sheffield Museums, Morning Star, Daily Motion)

Volunteers from Hull Help for Refugees collected and cleaned discarded tents and sleeping bags after Leeds Festival, to be given to people who are sleeping outdoors in Hull and in Calais. In other news, Syed Sadat from Afghanistan has excelled in playing for Oulton Cricket Club in Leeds. (Sources: Scarborough News, Yorkshire Evening Post)

International news

Doctors Without Borders on the Panama – Columbia frontier are struggling to care for those in need, as the number of refugees crossing through region steadily increases. (Source: the Guardian)

In Italy, growing numbers of 'hate speech' incidents in politics and sport are of mounting concern to the United Nations. Meanwhile, authorities in France have implemented new measures to prevent people from crossing the Channel. (Source: Info Migrants)

UK borders and migration policy

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick gave an overview of the government’s work on ‘illegal migration’ in the House of Commons this week, stating that they are on track to clear the ‘legacy backlog’ of asylum claims. (Source: Home Office)

Currently, money from the overseas aid budget is used to fund some of the cost of supporting people seeking asylum. According to the watchdog this may need to change following the Illegal Migration Act – the money can’t be used to support people deemed ineligible for asylum. (Source:  Independent Commission for Aid Impact)

Last weekend saw the highest daily number of people arriving on small boats so far this year, with 872 arriving in a single day, although the overall number of arrivals is lower than at this point last year. (Source: Sky News)

This article provides an insight into challenges faced by overseas care workers whose UK visas are dependent on sponsorship by an individual employer. (Source: the Guardian)

Specific migrant groups

Charities have written an open letter urging the government to help avoid homelessness by ensuring at least 28 days notice is given to newly granted refugees before stopping their support. There are useful new guides here, aimed at people applying for refugee family reunion, and spouse or partner visas. (Sources: Independent, Free Movement)

On EU nationals, a formal response was issued on the Independent Monitoring Authority report on delays to Certificates of Applications issued as part of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). In other news, a statement of changes to immigration rules announced this week removes the right to administrative review for EUSS applications refused on basis of eligibility and cancellation decisions made on or after 5 October 2023. (Sources: Home Office, UK Parliament)

Some UK Universities have introduced early winter intakes this year, to help international students avoid visa changes which will prevent students from sponsoring joining dependents from January 2024. (Source: The Pie News)

On children and young people:

• Despite a high court ruling finding the practice unlawful, the Home Office continues to accommodate unaccompanied asylum seeking children in hotels. Kent County Council states it ‘cannot ‘cope’ with the number of arrivals. (Source: the Guardian)
• The University of Liverpool released a report which highlights the psychological impact of Home Office delays in the asylum system upon unaccompanied children and young people seeking asylum. (Source: University of Liverpool)
• A study conducted by The Children’s Commissioner for England found, 21% of unaccompanied children were missing education, compared to 2% of all other looked after children.  The Commissioner also reiterates ‘grave concerns’ around the impact of the Illegal Migration Act on vulnerable children seeking asylum. (Source: Children’s Commissioner) 

The latest data on Windrush compensation shows that by the end of July 2023, £79 million had been paid out to individuals through the scheme. (Source: Home Office)

In his upcoming memoir BBC presenter Clive Myrie talks about the effects of the ‘hostile environment policy’ on the life of his family. He described how he felt angry and ashamed of his own country. (Source: the Guardian)

Cohesion and integration

An interesting advice column on everyday issues around race, asking when is it ok for white people to ask about other people’s ethnicity. (Source: the Guardian)

Following threats to sue an academic last week, former MP Antoinette Sandbach has now apologised for her family’s historical links to slavery, saying she only discovered her history a few months ago, adding 'I’m not responsible for them, but I accept that it was wrong and when we look at it today, it’s horrific.' (Source: the Guardian)

This report explores the role the arts and heritage sectors can play in the need for us to tell a fuller and more frank account of our past in an increasingly diverse UK. (Source: British Future)