Migration news roundup 10 June 2024

• 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

In this podcast, journalist Aamna Mohdin describes her life experiences as a person from a refugee family background, and how that has affected her. (Source: the Guardian, 35 minutes)

International news

German newspaper Der Spiegel accuses some African nations of using EU funding for migration management to relocate migrants suspected of trying to reach the Mediterranean and abandoning them in the desert without access to food or water. (Source: Der Spiegel)

The US government has introduced a new restriction to deter unauthorised crossings of the border with Mexico. The measure bars any migrant who crosses the southern border without authorisation from applying for asylum, if the average number of unauthorised daily crossings passes 2,500. The new policy has generated ‘profound concern’ from the UNHCR, which regards it as effectively denying the right to seek asylum in the United States. (Sources: Al Jazeera, France 24)

10 months after reports of migrant killings by Saudi border guards, the country’s treatment of migrants appears remains unchanged, prompting deep concerns from human right groups. (Source: Mixed Migration Centre)

UK borders and migration policy

On family visas, an NGO has lodged a legal challenge against the government over the recent increase in the minimum income threshold to bring family members to the UK, on the basis that it would mean children were separated from a parent overseas, and disproportionally affects women young people and minorities. (Source: the Guardian)

The Migration Observatory updated its briefing on net migration, shedding light on recent patterns of immigration and emigration. (Source: Migration Observatory)

The Royal College of Nursing is calling on the government to reverse visa restrictions impacting the health and care sector, arguing that services will be affected by restrictions which make it harder to recruit staff from overseas. This article explains the issues of exploitation and deception experienced by foreign care workers at the hands of care agencies. There are calls on the government to launch an inquiry into the Health and Care Worker route. (Sources: Nursing Times, the Guardian)

In response to last week’s High Court order (see our previous week’s news roundup), the government has set a date of 24 July to complete the first removals to Rwanda. Legal challenges are underway from individual asylum seekers currently detained with a view to being removed to Rwanda. Their detention may be deemed unlawful if the government has no imminent plans to complete removals. (Sources: Reuters, the Guardian)

This article examines the Illegal Migration Act 2023, considering which sections are in force and what is yet to come. (Source: Free Movement)

Specific migrant groups

On asylum:

• The Home Secretary’s recent comments that asylum seekers may be lying about being suicidal in order to get moved out of RAF site at Wethersfield, have received criticism.  This came after a report from Doctors of the World saying there is a mental health crisis at Wethersfield. (Sources: the Guardian, Doctors of the World)
• An investigation revealed complaints of abuse and other unacceptable treatment in asylum accommodation settings perpetrated by Home Office contractors. (Source: the Guardian)

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey on the Ukraine Humanitarian Schemes finds that the majority of visa holders want to remain in the UK long-term, citing better employment opportunities than in Ukraine. (Source: ONS)

The High Court passed down its final judgement regarding a legal challenge against the Home Office and Kent County Council which last year ruled that a cap placed on the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children the council supports and the routine use of hotel accommodation for this group were both unlawful practices. The High Court has ended its supervision over the two parties but reiterates that the Council must continue to comply with its duties to support children under the Children Act. (Sources: Doughty Street Chambers, Local Government Lawyer)

Discussing data concerning international students, ‘Data Matters’, a latest report from the International Higher Education Commission, highlights concerns about how data in the sector is managed and made available to the public. (Source: International Higher Education Commission).

Cohesion and integration

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the English Football League (EFL) launched the Stronger Communities Cup to promote social cohesion and highlight the positive impacts of sport, with girls from local communities playing alongside forcibly displaced girls who have found a new home in the UK. (Source: UNHCR)

The Scottish Government published an addendum to their report on tackling child poverty, focusing on asylum seekers and refugees. (Source: Scottish Government)