Migration news roundup 31 October 2022

• 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

Read the story of Ake Achi, a survivor of child labour and founder of ‘Migrants at Work’. He talks of the importance of ensuring migrant voices are heard. (Source: Metro)

Former TV presenter Chris Tarrant revealed he is supporting a Ukrainian family in his home, as he unveiled a giant portrait of a Ukrainian project worker as part of a series championing individuals supporting refugees. (Source: Liverpool World)

International news

In the US 1,700 Venezuelans were expelled to Mexico last week under a deal between the two nations which blocks Venezuelans entry to the US where they have not arrived through a new immigration route. (Source: PBS)

In Europe, a report from the EU’s Anti-Fraud Office accuses the EU border agency, Frontex, of human rights violations and abuse of powers. Meanwhile, BBC interviews migrants and asylum seekers in Italy about their fears as far-right leader Giorgia Meloni becomes Prime Minister. (Sources: Deutsche Welle, BBC) 

UK borders and migration policy

With Rishi Sunak now Prime Minister there is speculation about what his appointment will mean for immigration and asylum policy. Sunak has previously stated immigration is his top priority and has publicly committed to the Rwanda scheme. Most notably he re-appointed Suella Braverman as Home Secretary, a move which has come under huge criticism. Yet, there are claims the two may clash over how to cut immigration. This article argues that finding effective solutions to the UK’s economic crisis through immigration policy isn’t as simple as it’s being presented in politics. Meanwhile, a Professor of Black history provides this opinion piece on the appointment of the UK’s first non-white Prime Minster in the context of history, racism and migration. (Sources: Independent, iNews, the Guardian, The Times, Financial Times, CNN)

The topic of Channel crossings was especially prevalent in the news recently:

• The Home Office gave evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on Channel crossings telling MPs that they have only processed 4% of asylum claims from small boats arrivals from last year and revealing costs of £5.6 million a day to accommodate people who are going through the asylum process. (Sources: UK Parliament, Independent, Sky News)
• Also on the agenda at the Home Affairs Committee were the problems at the asylum processing site in Manston, Kent. The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration gave a critical assessment of the site, highlighting one family that had been living in tent conditions for over one month. Union leaders continue to raise concerns over overcrowding at the site. (Sources: the Guardian, Independent)
• Royal National Lifeguard Institution (RNLI) staff are under increasing pressure with fears their role is becoming ‘unsustainable’. (Source: Sky News)
• A top military general has been tasked with the role of tackling Albanian smuggling networks behind the increase in Channel crossings. (Source: Telegraph)
• A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says that around 70% of small boats arrivals would have their asylum claims accepted if they were considered in the UK rather than referred for inadmissibility action. (Sources: IPPR, Independent)

The union representing UK Border Force staff has warned of disruption at ports and airports over Christmas as staff could go on strike. (Source: Telegraph)

The Home Office published a court order outlining that a previous policy of confiscating mobile phones for small boat arrivals was unlawful. The Home Office is ordered to write to each individual affected and advise them to seek legal advice. (Source: Home Office)

A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules sees a new appendix created to allow for provisions from the Nationality and Borders Act regarding victims of modern slavery and the process for obtaining temporary permission to stay as a victim of trafficking. Further regulations are set to be added before the new appendix becomes part of the Immigration Rules in January 2023. (Source: Free Movement)

Specific migrant groups

This briefing counters claims about financial support levels for asylum seekers housed in hotels. Those in hotels receive full board support only with some getting an additional £8.25 per week if they are granted asylum support. (Source: Full Fact)

Government added a list of successful grant recipients across the voluntary, community, and social enterprise year 2 grant schemes to support Hongkongers under the Hong Kong Welcome Programme. (Source: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

On EU nationals, the Independent Monitoring Authority for Citizen’ Rights Agreements (IMA) has launched a review of the arrangements of local authorities to help secure status for eligible looked after children and care leavers under the EU Settlement Scheme. (Source: IMA)

On children and young people, the Council of Europe has recommended a five-year action plan protecting rights of migrants, including unaccompanied asylum seeking children. This article criticises the Home Office following the recent revelation that 222 children have gone missing from asylum hotels. (Sources: Council of Europe, the Guardian)

On modern slavery, this report from the Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit (ATLEU) explores how a lack of available legal advice due legal aid restrictions is negatively impacting survivors of trafficking. (Source: ATLEU)

Universities UK (UUK) urged government to U-turn on the decision to reduce the number of international students considering the contribution they make to the UK economy. To support this, UUK suggests ways to spark economic growth across the UK through the education sector. (Sources: Erudera, Universities UK)

Cohesion and integration

A report on a project called 'The Art of Belonging' aims to increase social participation and belonging amongst migrant communities in urban settings through use of arts and culture based initiatives. (Source: University of Nottingham)