Migration Yorkshire policy update July 2022

July 2022

An overview of the latest statistics, policy and research on migration issues affecting partner organisations in Yorkshire and Humber.

Summary

  • The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 became law and government published its Bill of Rights, partly intended to prevent removals being blocked. (paras.4,5)
  • People on a Seasonal Worker visa must now be paid at Skilled Worker rates. (para.13)
  • The Ministry of Defence is now leading the operational response to small boat Channel crossings. Over 10,000 people crossed in 2022 so far. The government withdrew its planned ‘pushback’ policy to force small boats back to France. (paras.14-16)
  • In April the government announced a controversial partnership with Rwanda to act as an offshoring location for asylum seekers. The first flight was suspended following the European Court of Human Rights pausing removal directions. (paras.21,27)
  • Since 6 April migrants cannot use biometric documents to prove their right to work or rent, but instead need to generate a digital share code. (para.32)
  • Government confirmed eligibility for free school meals for children from all families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) will be permanently extended. (para.37)
  • For the first time since it was introduced over 20 years ago, all councils will now be required to participate in the asylum dispersal scheme. (para.42)
  • A site at in North Yorkshire was revealed as a future reception centre for asylum seekers. (para.43)
  • A report reveals the scarcity of legal advice in some parts of the country. Hull and North Yorkshire are experiencing particular shortages. (para.48)
  • Routes for Ukrainians to come to the UK now in place are: the Family Scheme, the Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) and the Extension Scheme. A recent change allows unaccompanied children to come through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. There’s rising homelessness where sponsorship has broken down. (paras.57,67,68)
  • Some young people born or raised in the UK are now able to apply for settlement after five years rather than ten. (para.70)
  • A National Windrush Monument was unveiled to mark Windrush Day. For Refugee Week many events took place across Yorkshire and Humber. (paras.82,154)
  • The number of people forcibly displaced around the world passed the 100 million mark for the first time on record. (para.120)

UK migration trends

1.         The latest migration statistics from the Home Office and Office for National Statistics (ONS) cover up to March 2022. You can read our round up of the key asylum, resettlement, Ukraine, Hong Kong, EU nationals and general migration trends. There’s also a parliamentary briefing analysing the most recent immigration statistics. (Sources: Home Office, ONS, Migration Yorkshire, House of Commons Library)

2.         Official data about employees on the UK payroll shows that while the number of UK and EU nationals is still below pre-pandemic levels (-1% and -6% respectively), non-EU nationals have increased by 9% (from mid-2019 to 2021). A similar pattern is mirrored in Yorkshire and Humber where non-EU employees increased 13%, EU employees reduced 3% and UK employees reduced 0.3%. (Source: HM Revenue and Customs)

3.         It’s been suggested 2021 census data might call into question the reliability of population estimates relating to country of birth. (Source: UK in a Changing Europe)

UK borders and migration policy

New legislation

4.         Government published its Bill of Rights outlining its intentions to bring legal reforms to the UK. Proposals include stopping removals being blocked by human rights claims and ensuring that injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights will not override British courts. Government hopes this will prevent incidences like the blocked removals of asylum seekers to Rwanda in future. Government confirmed it does not intend to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. (Sources: UK Parliament, Ministry of Justice, BBC)

5.         The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 received royal assent on 28 April. Despite longer-than-usual ping-pong between the Houses of Parliament and defeats for the government in the House of Lords earlier in the week with opposing peers including Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate, the second chamber finally backed the Bill. (Sources: Parliament, Mirror, BBC)

6.         As a result of the new legislation, analyses estimate that there could be over 19,000 convictions annually of people who arrive by irregular routes to seek asylum here, and family reunion could be denied to over 15,000 people. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said that the legislation ‘risks dramatically weakening a system that has for decades provided protection’. (Sources: Refugee Council, UNHCR)

7.         The government published a new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, with this commentary explaining some of the key changes, while over 50 organisations from Yorkshire and Humber are among the 350 that have signed the #AntiRefugeeLaws Pledge. (Sources: Home Office, Free Movement, Fight the #Anti Refugee Laws)

8.         Some key provisions in the Nationality and Borders Act came into force from 28 June including inadmissibility and the two-tier refugee system. Useful new articles on the Act include one aimed at solicitors giving an overview of the implications of the new legislation for their clients, and there’s an explanation here of when the various provisions within the Act will come into force. (Sources: The National Archives, the Law Society, Free Movement)

9.         There are plans to consolidate every piece of UK immigration legislation into one Immigration Act; the Law Commission is working on the project which is expected to take up to a year and a half. (Source: Free Movement)

Visas and immigration routes

10.      On migration patterns, the National Farmers Union is asking for a review of the post-Brexit immigration system, with the agricultural sector continuing to face severe labour shortages. MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee are warning of price rises and increased dependence on imported food. There are concerns that overseas trainee GPs may not stay in the UK at the end of their 3 year course, as they can only be granted indefinite leave to remain after 5 years. This article gives some insight into the push and pull factors behind the rising number of skilled Nigerians migrating to the UK, revealing cultural compatibility and quicker visa processing times as key reasons for choosing the UK as a destination. (Sources: BBC, the Guardian, The Times)

11.      The list of immigration and nationality fees has been updated for 2022-23, with increases to the cost of most visas and extensions. The cost of a tourist visa is rising to £100 to come to the UK, considerably higher than a Schengen visa (€80 or £69); this hasn’t gone down well with the tourism industry. The Home Office updated its guidance on visa processing waiting times. Waiting times have been extended for some visas, believed by some to be a result of prioritising Ukraine Scheme applications. (Sources: Free Movement, Independent, UK Visas and Immigration, Morgan Lewis)

12.      In order address skilled labour shortages the new High Potential Individual visa scheme has opened - the scheme enables recent graduates from top-ranked universities to obtain a visa to come to the UK without a job offer. This article says the visa favours middle class immigration, with no universities from Africa, India or Latin America included in the rankings. (Sources: Home Office, BBC, the Guardian)

13.      As of 6 April people on a Seasonal Worker visa must now be paid at Skilled Worker rates - a minimum of £10.10 per hour. Previously they had to be paid at least the minimum wage (£9.50 for those aged over 23). Here’s a useful briefing on the Seasonal Worker visa. It’s not the same story yet for social care staff: the body that advises the government on migration has recommended increasing social care workers’ pay to at least £10.50 per hour. It recommends that settlement fees should be reduced or waived and the immigration charge paid by employers should be scrapped. (Sources: Free Movement, Independent, Migration Advisory Committee)

Sea crossings

14.      The Ministry of Defence is now leading the operational response to small boat Channel crossings. (Source: Home Office)

15.      More than 10,000 people have crossed the channel on dinghies in 2022 so far. The Union for Borders, Immigration and Customs forecasts that up to 60,000 migrants will cross the channel in small boats in 2022. Meanwhile, two men were jailed for smuggling migrants across the channel in small boats. (Sources: the Guardian, Daily Mail, BBC)

16.      The government withdrew its planned ‘pushback’ policy to force small boats in the Channel to return to France; a high court judicial review had been imminent. Under the Nationality and Borders Act, individuals found to have steered dinghies could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. (Sources: the Guardian, Independent)

17.      The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch is looking into the emergency response to the tragedy in November when 27 people drowned, amid uncertainty as to whether the dinghy was located in UK waters at any point. This article looks in detail at the surveillance technologies being used in the Channel, and considers whether their use aims to save lives or deter migrant crossings. (Sources: inews, Computer Weekly)

18.      There’s a new campaign warning the maritime industry about organised crime groups purchasing boats for smuggling purposes.(Sources: National Crime Agency)

19.      The High Court ruled a previous Home Office blanket policy of confiscating asylum seekers’ mobile phones was unlawful, breaching human rights and data protection law. (Source: Independent)

20.      The terms of reference have been set out for an independent review of the Border Force and there is a call for evidence regarding an inspection into Border Force activities at Humber ports open until July. (Sources: Border Force, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration)

Rwanda

21.      In April the government announced a controversial partnership with Rwanda to act as an offshoring location for asylum seekers, worth at least £120m a year, which would see some asylum seekers ‘relocated’ to Rwanda for their claims to be considered (and published the agreement with Rwanda). It’s understood that a rare ministerial direction was needed for the policy to be signed off due to the concerns of the permanent secretary. The Home Office published new country guidance relating to Rwanda, and updated inadmissibility guidance. (Sources: Home Office, ITV)

22.      The Home Secretary Priti Patel and a Rwandan Minister wrote a joint article about the policy arguing there is a moral imperative to stop the gangs that trade in ‘human cargo’, and that there is a need to shut down illegal routes. Rwandan president Paul Kagame expressed hope that the UK will also extradite suspects from the 1994 genocide – this has previously been opposed due to concerns about whether they would receive a fair trial. (Sources: Home Office, the Guardian)

23.      Tabloid pictures of the accommodation in Rwanda describe it as a 3-star resort. (Source: Daily Mail)

24.      Criticism of the policy has come from many angles, including UNHCR, a former prime minister, politicians and councillors, the Archbishop of Canterbury, royalty and celebrities, healthcare professionals, charities and activists. Various legal challenges were launched, including from legal firms, a civil service union. Despite concerns about the treatment LGBTQI+ asylum seekers could face, in its Equality Impact Assessment the Home Office states there are ‘not substantial grounds’ to believe they would be at risk. (Sources: UNHCR, BBC, LocalGov, the Guardian, Sky, New Scientist, Independent, inews, Home Office)

25.      The impact upon those potentially being relocated include reports of people in the asylum system going into hiding, some asylum seekers facing removal going on hunger strike and an Afghan man shared that he tried to take his own life for fear of being relocated. It’s also been claimed that people smugglers are reassuring sanctuary seekers that they won’t be removed from the UK and a survey of asylum seekers in northern France suggested three-quarters would still attempt the journey across the Channel. (Sources: the Guardian, Al Jazeera, Independent, Daily Mail)

26.      The first flight was set for 14 June and individuals were notified and detained. The Home Office reportedly offered asylum seekers the choice of being returned to their country of origin or being relocated to Rwanda. (Sources: Home Office, the Guardian)

27.      The flight was suspended following the European Court of Human Rights pausing removal directions after legal challenges in the UK courts were unsuccessful in preventing the flight. The European Court said that the flights should be paused until the outcome of a case scheduled next month that will consider whether the policy is unlawful. Some of those who had been on the plane have recounted their experiences. The unsuccessful flight was estimated to have cost about £500,000. (Sources: the Guardian, Free Movement, Independent)

28.      The government intends to continue with its plans and since threatened to leave the European Convention of Human Rights, raising fears about breaching the Good Friday Agreement. The Prime Minister accused critics of the Rwanda policy of being condescending as he prepared to travel to the East African country for a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. (Sources: Home Office, Huffington Post, Politics Home, Sky)

29.      An independent inspection relating to the Rwanda policy is to be carried out. The long term future of the Rwanda partnership could be in doubt with an increasing threat of conflict between Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Migration Observatory published a briefing on the Rwanda policy. (Sources: Free Movement, Politico, Migration Observatory)

The hostile environment

30.      A leaked document, commissioned by the Home Office to better inform civil servants about the causes of the Windrush scandal, revealed that over the last three decades British immigration policy was purposely designed to limit the size of the country’s non-white population. Here’s a complementary opinion piece from Diane Abbott MP looking at policy decisions back to the 1950s. (Source: the Guardian)

31.      On the 10th anniversary of the ‘hostile environment’ policy:

32.      Since 6 April migrants cannot use biometric documents to prove their right to work or rent, but instead need to generate a digital share code. New guidance has been issued to employers and guidance for landlords to reflect this change plus a guide aimed at trades union reps. The ‘3 million’ group expanded their tool for monitoring issues with having digital-only immigration status so this can now also be used for all migrant groups. (Sources: UKVI, Migrants’ Rights Network, The 3 Million)

33.      A Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed immigration officers are working within 25 local councils in the south of England, including in children’s services and adult mental health, with concerns this could result in a breakdown of trust between residents and local councils. Relatedly, details of non-UK homeless people have apparently been shared with the Home Office via the Rough Sleeping Support Service, which can help identify if an individual can access public funds, but which could also result in deportation. Leeds and Selby are named as referring councils. (Sources: the Guardian, Liberty Investigates, Immigration Enforcement)

34.      Learning has been shared from a pilot programme which explored different ways of providing immigration advice alongside homelessness services. (Source: Homeless Link)

35.      A recent report from Doctors of the World found migrant women are facing high charges for NHS maternity services in the UK, even when exemptions should apply. New research explores the experiences of pregnant women who are seeking asylum, considering issues such as financial support, stress, and specific health issues. The impact of NHS charging women without recourse to public funds has also been highlighted. (Sources: the Guardian, Maternity Action)

36.      A new report considers the impact of UK immigration policy on migrants’ experiences during the pandemic. (Source: JCWI)

37.      On No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) policy:

Detention and removals

38.      A much-criticised deportation flight to Iraq was cancelled, which would have been the first charter deportation flight to Iraq in years, planned to remove up to 30 Kurdish asylum seekers. The Home Office updated its country guidance policy on Iraq with updates on internal relocation. (Sources: the New Arab, the Guardian, UKVI)

39.      A report claims there are serious failings in the official process for identifying vulnerable people in immigration detention, including safeguarding reports not completed for those reporting thoughts of self-harm or suicide. (Source: Medical Justice)

40.      An investigation has been launched after staff from contractors Mitie were accused of ‘predator sexual tourism’ while carrying out immigration tasks abroad. Mitie has been contracted to manage deportations since 2018. (Source: the Guardian)

Specific migrant groups

Asylum seekers

41.      These interactive heat maps show some of the latest asylum statistics. (Source: Andy Hewett)

42.      For the first time since it was introduced over 20 years ago, all councils will now be required to participate in the asylum dispersal scheme. The Home Office has issued a funding instruction for Asylum Full Dispersal that outlines the grant payments to local authorities to address concerns about pressure on local services for the financial year 2021-22. In light of the change, West Midlands councils withdrew their legal challenge to the previous model which it felt was not producing an equal distribution of asylum seekers across councils. (Sources: LocalGov, Home Office, BBC)

43.      In April, a former RAF site at Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire was revealed as a future reception centre for asylum seekers. (Source: BBC)

44.      Forms of local opposition include the local MP who wrote to the Home Secretary regarding to the lack of support services and infrastructure in the area, Hambleton District Council is looking to undertake a legal challenge, unhappy with the lack of consultation regarding the use of the site. Local groups including York City of Sanctuary have spoken out against the plans and there were reports of a difficult meeting between Home Office officials and local villagers. (Sources: BBC, ITV, York Press, Yorkshire Post) 

45.      Police are seeking counter-terrorist advice due to the potential for far-right activity. Home Office recent pilots that demonstrated alternatives to detention were better for the wellbeing of migrants and more cost effective. (Source: the Guardian)

46.      In May, a parliamentary debate took place on the proposed centre with local MP Kevin Hollindrake opening the debate, the Home Office confirmed it is yet to make a final decision on whether or not to open the site, and in June plans were put on hold for work to ensure the site meets the relevant safety requirements. (Source: Parliament, Yorkshire Post, York Press)

47.      Much scrutiny of other asylum accommodation continues:

48.      A report from Refugee Action reveals the scarcity of legal advice in some parts of the country. It provides national and regional breakdowns – in Yorkshire and Humber, Hull and North Yorkshire are mentioned as areas experiencing particular shortages of provision. This comes as the government opened a consultation on legal aid fees for immigration cases, asking legal aid providers to respond by 8 August.(Source: Refugee Action, Ministry of Justice)

49.      The Home Office published its 2021 review of asylum support rates now set at £40.85 per week per person, as announced in January. (Source: Home Office)

50.      This guide for people seeking asylum provides information on applying for permission to work and has been translated into several languages. (Source: Law Centre NI)

51.      The latest UK country report from the Asylum Information Database provides an overview of the UK asylum system (pages 14-17 give a summary of changes in the last year) and Migration Observatory released a briefing on the dispersal of migrants throughout the UK which showed that while London remains the most significant destination for both EU and non-EU migrants, the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions have a much higher level of asylum seekers and refugees as a proportion of the population. (Sources: European Council on Refugees and Exiles, Migration Observatory)

Refugees and resettlement

52.      The Independent Chief Inspector held a second Migration Forum which brought together representatives from strategic migration partnerships. The Inspector said it helped him understand challenges related to refugee resettlement and other migration issues. (Source: ICIBI)

53.      This legal briefing explains the process of applying for settlement as a refugee  and the ‘safe return review’ carried out by the Home Office. (Source: Free Movement)

54.      Two reports on the topic of family reunion have been published:

  • ‘No Light at the End of the Tunnel’ is a research report on refugee family reunion from Europe that highlights the impact of family separation on refugees and the concerns over a lack of safe and legal routes enabling refugee family reunion between the UK and Europe following Brexit. (Source: Refugee Legal Support)

  • ‘Together at last’, a new report on refugee family reunion, highlights key challenges for people who arrive under this immigration route, such as access to suitable housing, healthcare and destitution. It highlights the critical role of statutory services and suggests models of good practice from refugee resettlement programmes could be applied to provide better integration support for refugee family reunion. (Source: British Red Cross)

55.      On Afghanistan, government guidance on the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme (ACRS) and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) continues to be updated with information about eligibility. A former military general who served as the UK’s special envoy to Afghanistan says the Home Office’s Afghan resettlement programmes have failed to support large numbers of eligible Afghan refugees still at risk from the Taliban. There's a reported backlog of 23,000 cases in the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme as a result of staff cuts and legal challenges. Apparently only two cases have been processed since April. (Sources: UKVI, Ministry of Defence, BBC, Daily Mail)

Ukraine

56.      Over time government made various announcements about immigration routes for Ukrainians to come to the UK, to much criticism for refusing to fully waive visa rules but beginning with visa concessions, and frustration in relation to processes put in place. (Sources: the Guardian, BBC)

57.      The core routes now in place are:

(Sources: UKVI, Independent, The Times)

58.      As policy and associated practice in relation to Ukraine evolved, government began incrementally publishing statistics on the Ukraine schemes. There are now regular updates on the numbers of people who have applied for and been granted a visa under the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine), as well as the number of people who have subsequently arrived on these visas. The national data has shown a change in the number of visas issued on the respective schemes, with the later-launched sponsorship scheme overtaking the family scheme. At the time of writing, the data for 21 June showed applications to the schemes overall were at 161,500, visas issued at 135,900 and arrivals reached 82,100 people. (Source: Home Office)

59.      Further, data is now published on a weekly basis at local authority level relating solely to the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) and illustrated visually on the Migration Yorkshire Ukraine interactive dashboard. It tells us as of 21 June, for example, that under the Homes for Ukraine scheme to join hosts in Yorkshire and Humber

  • there have been 4,951 visa applications, 4,298 visas issued and 2,892 arrivals.

  • these arrivals account for 5% of UK totals

  • the largest number of applications and arrivals are linked to North Yorkshire, Leeds, Sheffield, East Riding and Bradford.

(Sources: DLUHC, Migration Yorkshire)

60.      Relatedly, government statistics also show asylum applications increased in the latest quarter from Ukrainian and Russian nationals from 19 to 241 for Ukrainians, and from 76 to 108 from Russians. (Source: Home Office)

61.      Official guidance on these has been frequently updated, such as guidance for sponsors, information for Ukrainians, guidance for councils outlining some details on their roles in carrying out checks on hosts and supporting new arrivals and guidance for primary healthcare providers on meeting healthcare needs of new arrivals from Ukraine. Secretary of State for Education Nadim Zahawi wrote to local authorities regarding the rights of children arriving from Ukraine and outlining council responsibilities to find school places. (Sources: DLUHC, Home Office, Parliament, UK Health Security Agency, Department for Education)

62.      Other agencies such as the House of Commons Library and Migration Observatory provide broader briefings on the Ukraine crisis. (Sources: Parliament, Migration Observatory).

63.      Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster MP, made a written statement to Parliament announcing a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules. This brings the Family Scheme and Sponsorship Scheme into legislation and introduced the Extension Scheme. Of note, the rules don’t indicate a route to settlement for any of the schemes. (Sources: UK Parliament, Home Office)

64.      There was immediate access to welfare benefits for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (including exemption from Habitual Residence Testing) as well as free access to NHS healthcare at all levels, following amendments to Housing and Homeless, Social Security and healthcare regulations. (Sources: DWP, DHSC)  

65.      Many issues relating to the official schemes have followed. Procedural problems include a delay in visas being issued with families being separated, inadequate advice systems and delays in payments to hosts including in East Yorkshire (with DLUHC planning to make the first payments via local authorities in June) – sitting uncomfortably alongside reports of other children and families being left in precarious situations due to slower visa processing times caused by the Home Office giving priority to Ukraine Scheme applications. (Sources: Yorkshire Post, Independent, Sky, Hull Daily Mail, the Guardian)

66.      Safeguarding risks have been prominent in the critique of the UK response to Ukraine, as raised for example by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, having convened a roundtable of specialists who warned that the Ukraine schemes come with some risks of human trafficking and exploitation, while refugee and anti-trafficking charities collectively outlined major safeguarding concerns stating the Homes for Ukraine scheme could operate as ‘Tinder for sex-trafficking’ and the tabloids also raising safeguarding concerns about the scope for exploitation of refugees by hosts. Indeed, there have been reports of Ukrainian refugees making calls to a modern slavery helpline – subsequently the charity Unseen has launched a new website to support Ukrainians in the UK. (Sources: IASC, the Guardian, Daily Mail, Irish News, Unseen)

67.      A key policy gap has been unaccompanied children excluded from the Homes for Ukraine scheme Most recently, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) announced a policy change enabling unaccompanied children who have applied through the Homes for Ukraine scheme to have their applications processed. DLUHC is asking sponsors to provide accommodation for up to three years for children where their parents have consented to the arrangement. Already, a 17-year-old Ukrainian teenager’s visa has now been approved months after she first applied to come to the UK. (Sources: the Guardian, DLUHC, BBC)

68.      There has been a rising risk of homelessness among Ukrainians where sponsorship arrangements have broken down. Data from a voluntary survey of local authorities gives details of support given to Ukrainians experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In England, 660 Ukrainians were owed a prevention or relief duty, with 30 individuals from seven councils in our region. Subsequently the government launched its Ukrainian sponsor rematching scheme. A recent change to homelessness regulations could have profound effects on the housing support offered by councils to arrivals on both the Afghan and Ukrainian schemes, with unlimited time in B&Bs and fewer considerations for out of area placements for example. (Sources: Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Independent)

Children and young people

69.      Government published statistics related to school placements for children from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong arriving via formal programmes, with local authority breakdowns for September 2021 - May 2022. The data shows, for example, 8,500 applications for school places for Hong Kong children nationally with over 300 places offered in Yorkshire and Humber. (Source: Department for Education)

70.      The Immigration Rules have been amended so that some young people born or raised in the UK are now able to apply for settlement after five years rather than ten. (Source: Coram Children’s Legal Centre)

71.      Official guidance on school places now mentions migrant children from the EU and children arriving under the BNO, Ukraine and Afghan schemes. For those working with migrant children in schools ‘Including Children Affected by Migration’ is a programme that offers resources to help schools restore learning relationships and increase learning capacity. (Sources: Department for Education, the Guardian; Icam Programme)

72.      Charities reported that 31% of trafficked children went missing from local authority care in 2020, a rise of 25% since 2018. (Source: Every Child Protected Against Trafficking UK)

73.      ‘Living in constant fear’ is new research about the impact of Home Office’s immigration reporting conditions on children, young people, and families on the other side of the Pennines. (Source: Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit)

74.      On unaccompanied asylum-seeking children:

Modern slavery

75.      National Referral Mechanism (NRM) statistics show that 3,777 potential modern slavery victims were identified between January and March this year - the highest number since data collection started in 2009. The top nationalities were Albanian, British and Eritrean, representing a shift from 2021 (when the top nationality was British, followed by Albanian and Vietnamese). Further analysis of the 2021 statistics highlights that over 3,000 people identified as potential victims chose not to enter the NRM to receive support, an increase of 47% from 2020. Charities are attributing a rise in suspected victims of modern slavery to labour shortages in the wake of Covid-19 and Brexit. (Sources: Home Office, Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre, Daily Record)

76.      The Refugee Council has been added to the list of first responder organisations, meaning it can now make referrals to the NRM, the system for identifying and supporting potential modern slavery victims. (Source: Home Office)

77.      News from the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC):

78.      The Court of Appeal maintained the ruling from a recent case at the High Court which found that the Home Office’s Discretionary Leave policy is in breach of the European Convention on Anti-Trafficking. The case relates to the policy of not granting Discretionary Leave to those with a positive conclusive grounds decision on their trafficking case where they have an outstanding asylum claim. The Home Office can still appeal this decision to the Supreme Court. (Source: Free Movement)

79.      How are victims of modern slavery protected from being criminalised for actions they had no choice over? This blogpost is based on a review of the research evidence from Hull’s Wilberforce Institute and discusses Section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act. (Source: Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre)

80.      New research explores what could prevent labour and sexual exploitation among adults in the UK, finding that a ‘whole systems approach’ is needed. (Source: Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre)

81.      This blog considers outcomes that may indicate recovery from modern slavery across ten ‘domains’ including rights, justice and dignity. (Source: Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre)

Windrush generation

82.      A National Windrush Monument was unveiled at Waterloo station to mark Windrush Day on 22 June. Commemoration and celebration of the contributions and resilience by those identifying with the Windrush generation sit somewhat in tension with slow processing of compensation and given the needs of many claimants to the compensation scheme have not yet been met. An estimated 7% of those affected by the scandal have been financially compensated. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for healthcare to be made free for all migrants, irrespective of status. (Sources: BBC Newsround, Independent, Manchester Evening News, GG2.net)

83.      Bishop Joe Aldred and Arike Oke, members of the Windrush Cross-Government Working Group, resigned due to their dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the Windrush scandal. Aldred emphasised that he did not appreciate how the Windrush story has become generalised and made people seem pitiful instead of resilient and enterprising. (Source: the Guardian).

84.      The independent advisor who wrote the ‘Windrush Lessons Learned Review’ Wendy Williams was invited by the Home Office to review their work since the publication of her recommendations in 2020. Williams looked at commitment, pace and change, and concluded that whilst she could see improvement, there was still lots of work to be done and further need for consistency across the department and more involvement from and responsibility by the most senior leaders. (Source: Home Office)  

85.      An independent report on the Windrush Compensation Scheme suggests speeding up the processing of applications, increasing support for those claimants that may need it, and a recommendation to communicate with the charity JUSTICE on their November 2021 recommendations. The compensation scheme has awarded or offered £45 million to date, with 48% of claims having had their final decision. (Sources: Home Office, JUSTICE).

International students

86.      There are growing numbers of non-EU students with a shift towards taught postgraduate studies, shown in latest data for 2020-21, but the UK faces declining EU student numbers and competition from other English-speaking countries. (Source: Universities UK).

87.      Higher Education professionals have been discussing the UK’s international education strategy. Issues raised included that quantity should not replace student quality, student care needs improvement, issues around employers and the Graduate Route, and a need for an updated strategy to attract EU students. The director of Universities UK International urged government to reconsider the two-year visa as a survey suggests a three-year post study work visa would be more attractive to students. University reps say that UK universities need to engage better with EU students regarding their offer of study and funding opportunities in the aftermath of Brexit. This blog discusses how universities must adapt to meet the changing needs of international students. (Sources: University World News, the Guardian, the Pie news, UK Universities International)

88.      Scholarships for refugees include the University of Leeds Sanctuary Scholarship for 2022 entry and the Open Future Sanctuary Scholarship Programme launched by the Open University which will run over three years awarding a full fee waiver, to support and encourage refugees - including those affected by the Ukrainian war - to engage with higher education and access meaningful employment. (Sources: University of Leeds, Open University)

89.      MPs, academics and others collectively have urged government to change the rules for Hong Kong students to have home fees status and UK Universities asked the Home Office Minister about support for Ukrainian students in the UK. (Source: British Future, Universities UK)

90.      Actions by universities in relation to Ukraine include:

EU nationals

91.      Nearly 6.65 million applications to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) were received by 31 May 2022 with close to 600,000 made after the 30 June 2021 deadline (due to a combination of late applications, applications from family joiners and conversions from pre-settled to settled status). Just under 250,000 applications are outstanding. 10% of applications are from repeat applicants, with Romania continuing as a top nationality of applicants overall, followed closely by Poland. (Source: Home Office)

92.      The latest statistics at local authority level (to the end of March 2022) show over 360,000 applications to the scheme in Yorkshire and the Humber. This local data is available in a data dashboard format on the Migration Yorkshire website. (Source: Home Office)

93.      Migration Observatory follows the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in warning not to see the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) statistics as ‘better’ data on the size of the EU population in the UK, in the light of a preview of the census results published in response to the Ukraine crisis. (Sources: UK in changing Europe, ONS)

94.      The EU Courts found that the UK wrongly insisted on Comprehensive Sickness Insurance (CSI) meaning that many EU nationals without CSI, such as students and those who were self-sufficient, are now considered to have right to reside in the UK. (Source: Free Movement)

95.      Funding to support vulnerable applicants to apply to the EUSS was extended again to existing grant-funded projects. (Source: Home Office)

96.      Changes to the EUSS caseworker guidance shows a toughened approach to late applications. Further explanation to some of those changes is provided on the Free Movement legal blog. Meanwhile, new guidance for Zambrano primary carers explaining eligibility under the EUSS follows a recent court judgement. (Sources: Home Office, Free Movement)

97.      The Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) published its first annual report highlighting issues and concerns related to the rights of EU nationals and their families post Brexit. They also launched an investigation into the Home Office’s delays in issuing a Certificate of Application to EUSS applicants, with the inquiry open until 8 August. Delays are also reported in processing administrative reviews, with less than a quarter of over 9,000 requests for a review of EUSS decision received by the end of January 2022 having an outcome. An analysis of processing delays for ‘meritorious’ and ‘unmeritorious’ EUSS applications found delays are making life very difficult for disadvantaged groups. (Sources: IMA, What do they know, UK in Changing Europe)

98.      Concerns about the impact of digital status on vulnerable EU nationals at high risk of homelessness have been raised by Public Interest Law Centre (PILC), while challenges in maintaining digital status was a main focus of the latest 3million’s submission to the IMA. (Sources: PILC, 3million)

99.      Migration Observatory produced a report on challenges facing vulnerable pre-settled status holders when applying to convert to settled status in the future. It notes that while challenges are in many respects like those facing initial applicants, lack of awareness about the need to re-apply and support will make the process more problematic for vulnerable groups. (Source: Migration Observatory)

100.   A recent survey of EU nationals on experiences of migration and settlement after Brexit describes Brexit as an ‘open wound’ and having a lasting impact on their feelings about Britain, as EU nationals continue to feel insecurity over their legal status and right to residence. Similar worries in relation to insecurity of immigration status are expressed in the Settled report on the future needs of EU nationals residing in the UK. (Sources: Migzen, Settled)

Hong Kong

101.   The latest statistics show a total of 123,400 applications for the British Nationals Overseas (BNO) route have been made since the route opened, with 19,500 applications in the first quarter of 2022. Of those, over 113,500 applicants were granted a visa, with only 240 refusals (2%). The figures are on the lower scale of the government’s predictions. (Source: Home Office)

102.   On immigration policy relating to BNO visa holders:

103.   On access to services, funding and support in the UK:

104.   The co-chair of APPG on Hong Kong, Alistair Carmichael MP, claimed integration support provided to Hongkongers ‘remains glaringly inadequate’. (Source: Politics Home)

105.   A mental health survey conducted with Hongkongers in the UK shows one in four respondents reports suffering from anxiety, though over 60% believe moving to the UK improved their mental health. (Source: Hongkongers in Britain)

106.   The UK is said to be one of the top destinations for prominent film makers leaving Hong Kong, with exiled artists launching a Hong Kong film festival (HKFF) to promote Hong Kong film culture and screen political films banned by the Hong Kong authorities. Hong Kong artists have also showcased works that can no longer be publicly displayed in their home city. (Sources: Variety, Radio Free Asia)

Cohesion and integration

107.   Everyday experiences of new arrivals include:

108.   Relatedly, in a series of interviews with Britons from Jewish backgrounds who have signed up to host Ukrainian refugees - including a woman in York - they reflect on their personal history, of how their relatives fled persecution and how this has informed their own reactions. (Source: Independent)

109.   On knowledge about the process of integration of migrants within our communities:

110.   In terms of practice and interventions to encourage integration:

111.   This series of articles provides a critique of commonly used words and phrases related to migration such as ‘refugee crisis’ and ‘just like us’, while this article explores key concepts related to diversity in the workplace including ‘allyship’, ‘privilege’ and ‘intersectionality’, and why they matter. (Sources: Migrant Rights Network The Conversation)

112.   A number of publications highlight outstanding challenges in the area of community cohesion:

113.   In a snapshot of the arts and culture landscape,

114.   Back in February this article advised that our government may have misjudged the public’s attitude to supporting Ukrainian refugees and a YouGov poll showed the British public supported a resettlement scheme for Ukrainians and broadly believed the country has a moral obligation to offer asylum, though there is a divide between party voters. (Sources: the Guardian, YouGov)

115.   On public opinion trends, one think tank has released several polls:

116.   Perhaps more surprisingly, recent polls on topics covered in the Borders Bill have found that two-thirds of people agree that people arriving via irregular routes should have the same rights as resettled refugees, and that 81% support asylum seekers having the right to work. (Sources: Free Movement, iNews)

117.   In the long term, this article tracks the changing attitude of Britain towards immigration demonstrating an increasingly positive attitude towards migrants and their contributions over the last 30 years; the data is also presented in this twitter thread. (Sources: The Financial Times – subscription only, twitter)

International news

118.   In his message for World Refugee Day 2022 in June, the UN Secretary General stated that protecting refugees is ‘a responsibility we all share’, highlighting the fundamental right to seek asylum and cross borders safely. On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in May, UNHCR redoubled its commitment to protecting the rights of all forcibly displaced and stateless LGBTQ+ people. (Sources: UN, UNHCR)

119.   The first intergovernmental International Migration Review Forum at the UN in May discussed the implementation of the internationally agreed Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration resolution. You can still watch the recordings. (Source: UN)

120.   Setting the scene for news of displacement around the world, these latest figures cover the number of people displaced across the world:

121.   This article lists 12 facts about the global refugee situation while this 25 minute news broadcast reviews migration and refugee movements across the world over the past year – including at the Poland-Belarus border, the USA-Mexico border and climate change as a root cause. (Sources: Global Citizen. Aljazeera)

122.   Migration forecasts for high net worth individuals in 2022 expect large outflows from Russia, India and China and large inflows to the UAE, Australia, Singapore, Israel and Switzerland. (Source: the Guardian)

EU

123.   The annual Eurostat publication of migration statistics reveals key migration trends including that non-EU nationals make up 5.3% of the EU population (as of 1 January 2021) with largest numbers in Germany, Spain, France and Italy. Immigration decreased by almost 30% in 2020 compared to 2019. In contrast, grants of citizenship rose by around 3%, with Moroccans and Syrians being the largest groups to gain citizenship. (Source: Eurostat)

124.   A study of UK citizens living in the EU since Brexit highlights the impact on their lives, with many feeling disappointment, shame and anguish over issues such as the loss of free movement and voting rights. (Sources: the Guardian, Migzen)

125.   Frontex, the EU’s border police, is being sued by rescue organisation SeaWatch for refusing to release documents about how it works with the Libyan coastguard in the Mediterranean. There are also reports that Frontex and Greece were involved in pushbacks of nearly a thousand people in the Aegean Sea over an 18-month period. (Sources: EU Observer, the Guardian)

126.   The Greek government has been accused of ignoring calls to rescue stranded asylum seekers on a river along the border with Turkey as well as carrying out pushbacks. A new book 'Map of Hope and Sorrow', co-authored by a Syrian writer and refugee, follows five true stories to expose conditions in overcrowded Greek migrant camps. (Sources: Info Migrants, the Guardian)

127.   Cyprus is setting up an electronic surveillance system along its border with the Turkish-controlled north of the island to deter migrants arriving through this route; Cyprus has the highest number of asylum applications per head of the population from the EU countries. (Source: Info Migrants)

128.   A survey found over a quarter of people living in Germany are either foreigners or have foreign roots with Turkey, Poland and Russia being the top countries of origin. (Source: DW)

129.   Following his re-election how might President Emmanuel Macron revise French immigration policies? (Source: US News)

130.   Danish plans to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda, in a similar scheme to the UK, could end up being rejected by the European Court of Human Rights. (Source: Info Migrants)

131.   As part of World Refugee Day, an Italian developer company is launching the Mygrants for Ukraine app that aims to match Ukrainians nationals with businesses that are looking for employees. Italy has decided to end the use of quarantine ships; at the height of the pandemic five ships isolated migrants who had arrived irregularly. In the south, the wreck of a ship used by migrants to reach Europe is being turned into a monument commemorating those who have died in the Mediterranean. (Source: Info Migrants)

132.   Ten Kurdish asylum seekers entered the third week of a hunger strike protesting about conditions on the Polish side of the Poland-Belarus border. (Source: InfoMigrants)

The EU border region

133.   This data highlights dangers faced by migrants fleeing conflict and insecurity along the North Africa - Mediterranean route. It reveals that around 25,000 people have lost their lives or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean. (Source: UNHCR)

134.   Turkish President Erdogan announced plans to send a million Syrian refugees back home. Most refugees in Turkey are from Syria (3.7 million of five million). (Source: Info Migrants)

Ukraine

135.   The number of people leaving Ukraine has been rising far beyond than the four million initially estimated by the UN; at the time of writing on 27 June the UNHCR tracker shows over five million individual refugees recorded and more than eight million border crossings from Ukraine. (Source: UNHCR)

136.   The UN said in April that $1.85 billion is needed to support refugees in host countries. The global campaign 'Stand Up for Ukraine' has raised over €9 billion in pledges for refugees fleeing Ukraine. This includes donations from governments, loans and subsidies from EU financial institutions and will be spent via the Ukrainian government and the UN. In addition, the World Bank is supporting Ukraine financially with $1.5 billion to keep critical governmental services running. (Sources: UNHCR, European Commission, Aljazeera)

137.   A temporary protection plan for people who have fled Ukraine was agreed by the EU in March. Ukrainian refugees will have the right to live and work in the EU for up to three years, with access to healthcare, housing, benefits and education. They currently can enter the EU for 90 days without a visa. (Sources: Infomigrants, the Guardian, Deutsche Welle)

138.   A UNHCR spokesperson has said they hope the situation will change ‘toxic’ attitudes towards other refugees, and help the EU overcome its disagreements over refugee policy. (Sources: UNHCR, Reuters)

139.   Many have registered for temporary protection status in the EU although there are reports of Poland struggling to cope with hosting the largest numbers of people. There’s coverage of Ukrainians being welcomed in Poland, Romania and Germany, Hungary, and of Ukrainian children on their first day at school in Italy. Greece officially began offering temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees at regional asylum offices in several cities, whilst in Czechia the Vietnamese community has been coordinating practical support for Ukrainian refugees. This picture gallery illustrates how border countries are supporting displaced Ukrainians. (Sources: Reliefweb, EU Observer, BBC, InfoMigrants, ITV News, Euronews, BBC Newsround)

140.   Countries further afield welcoming Ukrainian refugees include the United States, where individual families opened their homes to host Ukrainians while some Ukrainians have been allowed to enter the US through Mexico and Australia, where the Australian government has granted around 4,000 temporary visas to Ukrainians mostly with family connections in the country, despite its history of having a ‘fraught’ reaction to refugees. (Sources: UNHCR/Agence France Presse, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat)

141.   On the flip side of these stories of welcome, state responses have also drawn criticism for their media portrayal of people from Ukraine compared to other groups of refugees, and when comparing countries’ practical response to supporting refugees from other conflict zones. For example, many Ukrainian Roma refugees have been forced to sleep in Prague's central train station on arrival in the Czech Republic, experiencing different treatment to other Ukrainian refugees despite fleeing the same conflict. Many of the 16,000 African students who’ve fled Ukraine  report racial abuse and discrimination. There are stories of rising assault cases against Ukrainian refugees in Germany and refugees from Ukraine are to be moved from Bulgarian hotels on the Black Sea before the holiday season begins. (Sources: Al Jazeerah and New York Times via UNHCR, the Guardian, BBC, InfoMigrants, Reuters)

142.   There’s criticism of the treatment of non-Ukrainians trying to leave the country - such as Africans and Asian students - with videos of them being pushed back from trains and border crossings going viral on social media. (Source: The Globe and Mail)

143.   There’s also concern about some refugees being exploited by traffickers. This op-ed from a Ukrainian refugee calls for more to be done to safeguard refugees in Europe vulnerable to human trafficking. (Sources: BBC, inews)

144.   Now UNHCR and charities warn that we need to plan for the long term. (Source: the Guardian)

145.   It’s claimed that around 200,000 Russians may have left their country since the start of the war with Ukraine. Many have fled to Georgia, Armenia or Turkey, causing what one observer called the ‘biggest brain drain’ in Russia’s history. (Source: BBC News)

Beyond the EU

146.   As the world celebrated International Women’s Day, UNHCR published articles on the first ever refugee Member of New Zealand’s Parliament, and an all-women’s cacao cooperative in Costa Rica with asylum-seeking women members, to show how these inspiring migrant women have contributed to their new home countries. At the same time, a new report from UNICEF revealed how the pandemic has had negative impacts for migrant women. (Sources: UNHCR, Infomigrants)

147.   In Latin America, thousands of Cubans have been trying to escape following arrests in retaliation for anti-government protests in July last year. (Source: the Guardian) 

148.   Reflecting on Western countries’ welcome to refugees from Ukraine, this opinion piece argues climate refugees from around the world should also be welcomed. On that note, one of the countries most affected by climate change, Bangladesh, has been investing to support citizens displaced by climate change-induced natural disasters. (Sources: the Guardian, The Diplomat)

149.   On the other side of the Atlantic, the number of migrants attempting the dangerous route through the Panamanian jungle has nearly tripled so far this year, at nearly 8,500 people compared with 2021. They are mostly from Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela, trying to head north to the USA. Meanwhile, the US announced the end of the Title 42 policy by 23 May; this was a Covid-19-related policy that prevented migrants who potentially posed a health risk from applying for protection at the Mexican border and led to nearly 2 million deportations. (Source: Aljazeera)

150.   US officials have been discussing cooperation on ‘irregular’ migration from Central America with regional counterparts from Panama. This comes as arrests at the US-Mexico border are at a 20 year high. (Sources: Latin News, Independent)

151.   The US Supreme Court is considering the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy which forced thousands of people to stay in Mexico to await hearings on their asylum claims. Biden ended the policy last year but Texas and Missouri have attempted to continue the policy through intervention in the lower courts. (Source: Al Jazeera)

152.   This opinion article argues recent election results present an opportunity for Australia to redesign its refugee policy. (Source: Sydney Morning Herald)

153.   Thousands of migrants, mainly from Venezuela and Central America, headed to the US in a record 'caravan' to coincide with the Summit of the Americas. The caravan includes families and children who demand access to immigration procedures and dignified treatment by the authorities. (Source: BBC)

Local stories

154.   For Refugee Week there were many events across the Yorkshire and Humber region. The giant puppet Little Amal visited school children in Bradford and then received a warm welcome in sunny Leeds. You can also read about two Refugee Week ambassadors from Huddersfield: Sleman moved to the UK in 2012 and opened the much-loved Mood Café while Abdulghani is a business owner and tutor who supports vulnerable people in the area. (Sources: Refugee Week, Bradford Telegraph and Argus, Yorkshire Evening Post, Imix)

155.   Vigils were held across Yorkshire to show solidarity with those in Ukraine and the people of Yorkshire and Humber have showed their support – just a few examples include North Yorkshire, East Riding, Leeds and Halifax. The voices of the Ukrainian community in our region have also been heard. (Sources: Yorkshire Post, Scarborough News, Planet Radio, the Guardian, The Times, Yorkshire Evening Post)

156.   Marianne from Yorkshire and her mum, who joined her in the UK under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, reflect on their experiences of the visa application process. As the government implements its Homes for Ukraine programme, residents from across Yorkshire have shared their experiences of housing and supporting refugees and asylum seekers from other countries. Watch the happy moment when three-year-old Ukrainian Maria sees her new bedroom and toys, here in Yorkshire. (Sources: BBC News, ITV Calendar News)

157.   There were celebrations in City Park as Bradford was named UK City of Culture 2025. Find out more on the Bradford 2025 site. (Sources: Telegraph and Argus, Bradford 2025)

158.   Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary writes about Curious Motion, a community organisation working with local people having difficulties accessing opportunities, including refugees and asylum seekers. (Source: Calderdale VoS)

159.   In Leeds

160.   A North Yorkshire councillor says he is proud that most people who fled their homes and arrived in Yorkshire through resettlement programmes are choosing to stay and make North Yorkshire their home. (Source: Yorkshire Post)

161.   Simba Mujakachi, a Zimbabwean refugee living in Sheffield, speaks of the devastating impact the hostile environment on his life and the associated barriers to NHS care whilst in the asylum system. (Source: the Guardian)

162.   Wakefield-based Iranian artist, Mohammad Barrangi, held a solo exhibition at Wakefield's Art House: ‘Dreamland’. Barrangi’s association with The Art House began with a ‘Studio of Sanctuary’ residency. Listen to find out more about the exhibition which explores the artist’s experiences of immigration and disability. (Sources: The Art House, Soundcloud)

163.   William Gomes, a Bangladeshi journalist and human rights activist now based in York, describes the challenges he overcame to graduate. (Source: Big Issue)

About this issue of the policy bulletin

This update was prepared in July 2022 by a team at Migration Yorkshire: Pip Tyler, Kate James, Vanja Čelebičić, Ewa Jamróz, Stefan Robert, Alex Fox, Laura-Maria Ruiz Duarte, Caris Etherington, Qamran Hussain, Liz Maddocks, Rawand Ahmed, Akosiwa Agbokou and Michael Crowe.

Contact us

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admin@migrationyorkshire.org.uk
0113 378 8188
Source URL: https://www.migrationyorkshire.org.uk/migration-yorkshire-policy-update-july-2022