The Newsflash is a weekly round up of publications, information, events, funding and jobs relating to asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest developments. The newsflash is produced in partnership with the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) Strategic Migration Partnership, the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and the Partnership Development Project (MENTER)
 

Week of 19th – 23rd July 2010

    Migration

  • Family wing at Yarl's Wood detention centre to close. Children will no longer be held at Yarl's Wood immigration detention centre in Bedfordshire, the government has pledged. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told parliament the government would "close Yarl's Wood Detention Centre for good". The Home Office then had to clarify that only the family unit would close, but the adult facility would stay open.
     
  • Settlement protection for refugees. From August 2005, refugees and those granted humanitarian protection were given five years limited leave to remain (LTR) and that leave is due to expire from August 2010 onwards. This means that refugees or those – and their dependants - who have been granted humanitarian protection and continue to need protection must all apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) before the leave expires.
     
  • Home Secretary commits to ending violence against women. Theresa May told the audience at the annual Women’s Aid conference, in her first speech on this issue, that violence against women would be a priority for the government and committed to continuing, to the end of this financial year, the pilot scheme which helps victims of domestic violence who have no recourse to public funds because of their immigration status – and committed to finding a long-term solution to ensure victims are protected after that. The scheme provides support to victims in the UK on a spouse or partner visa who have been forced to flee the family home because of domestic violence.
  • European regions and local authorities for asylum and immigration (ERLAI) newsletter. The new edition (issue no. 25) of the ERLAI newsletter is now available on ERLAI website, and includes latest developments in the field of “unaccompanied minors”. A separate briefing note by Lucie Gallagher, East of England European Partnership on the issue around unaccompanied minors is available on the EELGA website, via the link here.
     
  • Ireland has one of the lowest EU rates of granting refugee status. Only 14 asylum seekers have been granted asylum at first instance in Ireland this year, out of a total of 1,014 applications. This is an acceptance rate of only 1.38% according to the Office of Refugee Applications  Commissioner      (ORAC). Previously in 2009 Ireland already had the second lowest rate of recognition of refugees in Europe, with an overall acceptance rate of just 6% according to the 2009 Eurostat report. Only Greece had and still has a lower rate with 1.2%. In contrast, the European average recognition rate is 27%. UNHCR issued a statement expressing concern on the “low” acceptance rates, which also highlighted the need to engage with the government to further understand the contributory factors behind the current rates. For further information: ORAC, ‘Monthly statistics - ORAC, ‘Annual Report 2009
     
  • Stars across the globe raise their hands to stop child trafficking.  A petition calling for the UK Government to put the safety and wellbeing of young victims of trafficking at the heart of their plans launched last week spearheaded by ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) UK and The Body Shop. The campaign has already secured a raft of high level support from the UK and beyond with stars such as Rob Lowe, Matt LeBlanc, Robert Pattison, Sienna Miller, Joanna Lumley, Yoko Ono, Naomi Campbell, Sir Ben Kingsley, Claudia Winkleman, Jo Wood, Martine McCutcheon, Craig David and Gordon Banks all submitting their handprints to support the campaign. Those interested in signing the petition can follow the link at www.thebodyshop.com/stop or sign in any The Body Shop store.

 

    Migration

  • New fee for the reconsideration of naturalisation and citizenship applications. From 1 September 2010, UKBA will introduce a fee of £100 to reconsider applications for naturalisation and British citizenship that have previously been refused. From then, all requests for the reconsideration of these applications must be accompanied by a fee of £100.
     
  • New secure English language tests for students. On 12 August 2010 the UK Border Agency will implement secure English language tests for students under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system. Students’ Tier 4 sponsors must ensure that they are competent in English language at a minimum of level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference.
     
  • European Commission proposes scheme for intra-corporate temporary transfer of non-EU skilled workers. The European Commission proposes a new directive with the aim of facilitating for multinational companies to temporarily transfer third-country national skilled workers from a company located outside the EU to branches or subsidiaries in EU Member States. Intra-corporate transferees are a highly relevant category of workers for the EU economy: they are typically specialists and managers, possessing sought-after knowledge specific to the company, for whom no substitute could be found. The Commission proposes to create a common set of rules for a new fast-track entry procedure (30 days time-limit, combined residence/work permit) for a targeted group of highly specialised staff (‘manager’, ‘specialist’ and ‘graduate trainee') from non-EU countries.
     
  • Eurobarometer survey on geographical and labour market mobility. A new Eurobarometer survey released last week sheds light on Europeans' attitudes to worker mobility.
  • UNODC Report: “Smuggling of migrants into, through and from North Africa”. The publication examines the patterns and trends concerning the smuggling of migrants, into, through and from North Africa, and highlights the need for further research on specific issues – such as information on the organization of travel, the treatment of migrants by smugglers, the logistics of the transportation of people, or on smuggling networks. The review is complemented by an annotated bibliography of recent relevant publications.

 

Week of 12th – 16th July 2010

 

Week of 5th-9th July 2010

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Responses to Government consultation on ending detention of children. The consultation period ended on 1 July 2010. Responses submitted included those by EELGA and the Asylum task force, LGA & WLGA. In reply to these and the contributions of over 100 organisations, Dave Wood of the UKBA said: ‘We are now in the process of collating these views and producing a report with recommendations for the Immigration Minister. The recommendations will then need to go to the Home Affairs Cabinet Committee for approval’. EELGA response; Joint LGA response
     
  •   Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) High Court decision: Case transfers not financially supported by the Legal Service Commission. Bhatt Murphy Solicitors took the Legal Service Commission, the Ministry of Justice and the UK Border Agency to High Court to ensure the orderly transfer of RMJ clients to other legal aid providers by giving them more time and support. The claim was not successful as a High Court judge refused to order the Legal Services Commission to pay £600,000. Clive Lewis QC, representing the Legal Service Commission, said it was not the court’s place to “micro-manage” the winding up of an insolvent organisation and the transfer of cases to other lawyers. More organisations providing immigration and asylum advice could face closure as only 252 out of over 400 applicants were successful in their bids for contracts from the Legal Service Commission. Article in Civil Society.
     
  • Extension of the Sojourner Project for victims of domestic violence with no recourse to public funds on spousal visas until 17 September 2010. The Sojourner Project is for women with no recourse to public funds, who entered the UK on a spousal visa and are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Domestic Violence Rule. The Sojourner Project has been extended until 17 September 2010. Referrals can be taken up to 23 July 2010. For more information, please contact Sojourner Project Duty Worker on 020 7840 7147 or sojourner@eaveshousing.co.uk. Jo Clarke, Project Manager can also discuss any queries on 0207 840 7123
  • Supreme Court finds in favour of two gay asylum seekers. Two homosexual men from Iran and Cameroon, who are seeking asylum in the United Kingdom on the basis that they would face the risk of persecution on grounds of sexual orientation if returned to their home countries. In bothIran and Cameroon it is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment and, in the case of Iran, by the death penalty, for consenting adults to engage in homosexual acts. Their case came to the Supreme Court after the Appeal Court found that they would not face a ‘well-founded fear of persecution’ if returned to their home countries, as they would have to conceal their sexuality to avoid persecution, making their situations ‘reasonably tolerable’. Their appeal was based on the legal contention that the hardship they would suffer would in fact exceed the threshold for ‘reasonable tolerability’. The Supreme Court found unanimously in their favour. A press statement from the Refugee Council can be found here:
    http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/archive/press/2010/july/20100707
  • Charter of Rights of Women Seeking Asylum - 2 years on. This report has been released to mark the 2nd anniversary of the Charter of Rights of Women Seeking Asylum. It highlights the positive impact that the Charter has had upon the debate around women seeking asylum in the UK, but also emphasises how much more remains to be done.

    • Migration

  • CREDS in partnership with Routes - new website. Cambridgeshire Race Equality and Diversity Service in partnership with Routes launch their new immigration project website. The project is funded by the European Commission in the framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme, Comenius Sub Programme. The project involves seven European partners, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, Germany, France, Belgium and UK. Each partner has contributed links to documents, publications and interviews for the project. The portal is a resource for use by students and teachers when considering immigration, from the last century to the present day. In order to improve the impact on its target group and foster its sustainability the project is asking websites similar in context to link the project portal from their own websites.
  • Research published by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) reveals high levels of racial violence spreading to new areas in the UK. Since the Macpherson inquiry (set up in the wake of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993), the IRR report, “Racial violence: the buried issue”, reveals that, on average, five people a year in the UK have lost their lives to racial violence since Stephen's death - a total of 89 victims in 17 years. The analysis of 660 racial attacks in 2009 reveals that certain groups of people are particularly at risk: 'dispersed' asylum seekers, newly-arrived migrant workers and those who look Muslim and/or work in isolating trades such as taxi-cabbing, food take-aways or small shops and eateries. The map of violence has also changed since studies were first done a generation ago, when primarily areas in London like Southall and Tower Hamlets witnessed the most racial attacks. Today racial violence is on the rise in towns, cities and villages which are only now beginning to change demographically with the arrival of asylum-seekers, migrant workers, overseas students, and the movement of settled BME families from conurbations.

 

Week of 28th June – 2nd July 2010

Week of 21st-25th June 2010
 

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Refugee & Migrant Justice (RMJ) in administration – latest. The administrators filed papers with the courts to place RMJ in administration on 16 June. The Legal Services Commission confirmed that the Minister’s decision was final and that, despite any short term cost to them, there would be no change to the current funding arrangements. The government has committed itself to reviewing the legal aid system, but has declined to change the payment system. Responding to the request to change the payment system, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said other organisations had successfully made the transition to the new system and it was only reasonable to expect Refugee and Migrant Justice to do the same. Speaking in the House of Commons, Ken Clarke said the government could not "suddenly start diverting huge sums out of the legal aid budget to bail out a voluntary body that got itself into a financial mess". If you have any ideas about ways to help RMJ, please contact Kathleen Commons, RMJ’s Fundraising and Development Officer on 020 7780 3271, or at kcommons@rmj.org.uk . In the East, new cases can be referred to Immigration Advisory Service (IAS), which has services available in Norwich, Bedford, Peterborough and Oakington. It provides representation and advice in immigration and asylum law. These services are free to people who are eligible - click here for details. Immigration Advisory Service website: click here.
     
  • Reminder: Review into ending the detention of children for immigration purposes. The UK Border Agency has published the terms of reference for the review into ending the detention of children for immigration purposes and has asked for views, relevant evidence or research on alternatives to detention. Responses may be submitted directly to the Review team at ChildDetentionReview@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund at ChildDetentionReview@memfund.org.uk Please note the deadline for feedback is 1 July 2010.
     
  • Media coverage during Refugee Week: unaccompanied asylum seekerﾒs journey to graduate at Cambridge. Following the announcement that the government plans to send child asylum seekers back to Kabul, the Observer published the moving story of a child asylum seeker from Afghanistan who is now graduating from Cambridge.
     
  • Immigration and Asylum Statistics. The Research Development Statistics on immigration, asylum and nationality have been updated to include April 2010 data and covering data such as asylum applications, decisions and appeals, people refused entry at port and then removed, enforced removals and voluntary departures, the number of asylum seekers detained and removed and applications and decisions relating to British citizenship. The Home Office is also interested in users’ views on how the Control of Immigration and British Citizenship publications might be developed further to increase its value to users. Please email MigrationStatsEnquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
    Monthly Asylum Statistics - April 2010
     

    • Migration

  • Immigration to be reduced. Damian Green says the new government will introduce measures to properly control immigration following figures out on 24 June 2010 that show an increase in the UK population. Responding to statistics which showed the population increased in 2008-09, the minister for immigration said the new government intends to reduce immigration numbers back to 1990s levels. However business leaders have warned that an immigration cap could make businesses less competitive and are hoping for a change of mind. The home secretary, Theresa May, will begin consultation with businesses on the policy this week.
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jun/25/government-reconsiders-immigration-cap-plans
    Mid Year Population Estimates 2009: 24/06/10
  • Migrant participation in society. The regional authority of the Land Berlin is interested in receiving information on projects from regions/municipalities, concerning the participation of migrants in society, in all its aspects: social, cultural, political, labour market, etc. The Office of the Land Berlin to the EU is organising an event at the end of the year that will deal with the subject of participation of migrants in society and they are looking for best practices in the regions of the EU. For further information, please contact: Manon Janke, Officer for Justice and Home Affairs, Office of the Land Berlin to the EU. Tel: 00 32 2 738 00 78. Fax: 00 32 2 732 47 46. E-mail: Manon.Janke@senatskanzlei.berlin.de

 

Week of 14th-18th June 2010

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Case Resolution Directorate (CRD) email pilot. From 17 June for five weeks, CRD will be undertaking a pilot whereby UK Border Agency will be temporarily closing the duty telephone lines for two Case Resolution Teams – CRTL 2 (Manchester and Liverpool) and CRTS 18 (Greenwich, Bexley and Lambeth). Applicants that contact these teams will receive an automated message encouraging them to contact the team via a dedicated email address or the UK Border Agency’s website for further contact information. The effect of this pilot will be reviewed in late July and if successful may be rolled out across the Directorate. The e-mail address for the contact point is CRDCaseContact@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk and it will be monitored by a dedicated team. You are welcome to share this email address with colleagues working in the pilot areas.
     
  • British Red Cross report calls for an end to destitute refugees and asylum seekers. The report highlights the charity’s work supporting refused asylum seekers in the United Kingdom, and the challenges they face on a daily basis. It also explores the human experiences of asylum seekers made destitute by the current asylum process and proposes changes.
    Press release: http://www.redcross.org.uk/news.asp?id=104361
     
  • Good practice in social care for refugees and asylum seekers - new web-based guide. The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has launched “Good practice in social care for refugees and asylum seekers” - a new guide for commissioners and providers of social care services.
     
  • Women's Asylum News. Women's Asylum News is the Refugee Women's Resource Project's monthly bulletin. It contains news and information on issues affecting women asylum-seekers and refugees.
     
  • Trees only move in the wind: a study of unaccompanied Afghan children in Europe - report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Afghans constitute one of the largest groups of unaccompanied children who are currently making their way to Europe and who are in some but not all instances submitting applications for refugee status there. A major problem for UNHCR in its efforts to formulate a coherent and consistent approach to this movement has been a lack of information with regard to their profile. The current study was requested by UNHCRs Regional Bureau for Europe and commissioned by the organisation’s Policy Development and Evaluation Service in an attempt to address this gap. Press release: http://www.unhcr.org/4c15ff249.html
     
  • Education for refugee and asylum seeking children in OECD countries: Case studies from Australia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This study examines the educational situation of refugee and asylum-seeking children in four countries: Australia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In all four countries migration has been a subject of political discussion and even controversy in recent decades. The study aims to provide insight into the inclusion of refugee and asylum-seeking children in education programmes, and to shed light on the practical actions and policy initiatives that have been, and are being, undertaken by governments to provide quality education to these children.

    • Migration

  • Revised application form and guidance for the Highly Trusted sponsor. Revised versions of the application form and guidance for the Highly Trusted sponsors licence (under the points-based system) were published on 16 June 2010. The changes clarify some of the questions that the sector has raised around required information and reflects changes to the current operation procedures. All new applications for a Tier 4 Highly Trusted sponsor licence must be submitted on this form version if made on or after 16 June 2010.
     
  • Migration: Development on the Move. In the past decade, the relationship between migration and development has become an increasing area of focus, however few studies have attempted to determine whether on balance, migration is helpful or harmful to development in poor countries. ippr's Development on the Move project addresses these gaps, and a number of interesting - and often counterintuitive - findings have emerged.
     
  • Equality, Entitlements and Localism. This paper explores the relationship between localism and notions of equality of access and outcomes for a range of groups and communities. The specific focus throughout is on the needs and experiences of those disabled people, ethnic minorities, older and younger people who are economically and socially excluded and/or currently experience differential outcomes from key public services.
     
  • Wrong Kind of Victim? One Year On: An Analysis of UK Measures to Protect Trafficked Persons. In December 2008 the UK ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Convention is the first international treaty obliging states to adopt minimum standards to assist trafficked persons and protect their rights. The Convention came into force in the UK in April 2009 but without an accompanying formal monitoring mechanism. In its absence, in May 2009 a group of nine UK-based organisations set up the Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group to monitor the implementation and to share the information they were able to gather about the UK’s compliance with the Convention. The report presents the result of the group’s research to examine how the UK and its devolved administrations are meeting their obligations under the Convention. It finds that the UK Government’s anti-trafficking practice is not compliant with the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings and, where it relates to children, is not compliant with other aspects of UK law or best practice. Report summary here. Full report here.
     
  • COMPAS Photo Competition 2010: Life in Motion. The Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS) is looking for images that depict the journeys that migrants take, not only between countries, but also the everyday experiences and constant adaptations that they make in new environments, jobs and homes. Prizes will be given to the three winning entries: £500 (1st), £200 (2nd) and £100 (3rd). Closing date - 30 September 2010. This year's theme concentrates on the whole migration journey and includes those that have chosen to settle after migration. COMPAS work focuses on migrants on the move, in work, in communities and at home and we are therefore looking for images that reflect this, or at least a part of it. As in previous years we are open to symbolic images, but winning entries will be high quality, good composition and strong image. NB. The competition is open to residents of the UK and Ireland aged 16 and over, including employees of COMPAS and the University of Oxford. Organising and judging staff, and their relations, cannot enter.

 

 

EVENTS
 

International conference: Cities of Migration. The Cities of Migration project, a hub of best practice information and good ideas on migrant integration, is holding its first international conference in the Hague on 2 and 3 October 2010. If you have been involved in any of their online seminars, you will appreciate the wealth of shared information and inspirational presentations that can be expected from the conference.

 

Funding

Comic Relief UK grants programme cycle 4 now open. Current programmes: Mental Health; Domestic and Sexual Abuse; Refugee and Asylum Seeking Women; Sport for Change;  Local Communities; Older People. The deadline for submitting applications is either 3 or 17 September 2010. Please check under particular programmes.

 

Guardian Charity Awards - £6000 for groups with income between ﾣ5,000 and ﾣ1.5 million. Five smaller charities have the chance to win £6,000 and consultancy support in the Guardian Charity Awards 2010. The awards are open to UK social welfare charities which have an income of between £5,000 and £1.5 million. The deadline is 16 July 2010.

 

 

 

 

Week of 7th-11th June 2010
 

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Review into ending the detention of children for immigration purposes. The UK Border Agency has published the terms of reference for the review into ending the detention of children for immigration purposes and has asked for views, relevant evidence or research on alternatives to detention. Responses may be submitted directly to the Review team at ChildDetentionReview@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund at ChildDetentionReview@memfund.org.uk Please note the deadline for feedback is 1 July 2010.
     
  • COMPASS update. COMPASS (Commercial and Operational Managers Procuring Asylum Support) procurement was likely to commence in March 2010 but in view of the General Election the programme timescales have been revised with procurement expected to commence in July 2010. At this point no decisions have been made about the timescales the COMPASS programme will apply to the competitive process, but as a minimum it will comply with the European Directives on Procurement. The UK Border Agency will be in a position to provide further information towards the end of June 2010 in respect of revised timescales.
     
  • Ipsos MORI survey of refugees and asylum seekers. Ipsos MORI has interviewed refugees and asylum seekers in advance of ‘Refugee Week’ (14-20 June 2010). The survey was commissioned by Refugee Action on behalf of the Refugee Week partnership. The survey shows that refugees and asylum seekers are fans of The Queen, Princess Diana and David Beckham. It also shows that a majority feels welcomed by the average Brit. Download the topline results (PDF)
    Download the computer tables (PDF)
     
  • UK public understand asylum - but many still hold negative beliefs. One in four British people still believe asylum seekers come to Britain to claim benefits, according to an ICM poll for the British Red Cross. The results of the poll – which surveyed over 2,000 people - show conflicting opinions and a lack of knowledge about the legal definition of asylum.
     
  • Justice at Risk: quality and value for money in asylum legal aid. This interim report was undertaken by the Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees on behalf of Refugee and Migrant Justice, in partnership with Asylum Aid and Immigration Advisory Service. It has found that the quality of legal representation is of paramount importance to asylum seekers whose cases routinely raise issues of life and liberty. ‘Justice at risk’ analyses the legal aid payment system introduced by the Legal Services Commission (LSC) under the previous Government. The scheme replaced hourly rates with fixed fees for most cases, and now means practitioners are only paid after cases are closed. The research focuses on asylum but there are wider implications for all legal aid practitioners. Full report:
    Justice at Risk: quality and value for money in asylum legal aid
     
  • Becoming Vulnerable in Detention: Civil Society report on the detention of vulnerable asylum seekers and irregular migrants in the European Union This study from Jesuit Refugee Service highlights how asylum seekers and undocumented migrants who are held in detention centres quickly become susceptible to hazardous psychological stress. The longer they are detained, the worse their conditions become.
    Becoming Vulnerable in Detention - Full Report
    Executive Summary of the report
     
  • No going back: lesbian an and gay people and the asylum system. In November 2009, Stonewall interviewed lesbian, gay and bisexual asylum-seekers, legal professionals, asylum support workers and UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff. The interviews covered all aspects of the asylum process and considered how lesbian, gay and bisexual people move through the asylum system and how decisions are made and communicated. The results of those interviews are presented in this report.

    • Migration

  • Compulsory English language tests. The Government announced that non-European migrants applying to come to the UK to join their partner or marry will have to demonstrate a basic command of English that allows them to cope with everyday life before they are granted a visa. The rules will apply to spouses, civil partnerships, unmarried couples, same sex partners and fiancés, and will be compulsory for people applying from within the UK, as well as visa applicants from overseas.
     
  • Early Day Motion - Protecting English Language Schools. A cross party group of Members of Parliament have signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish 'flawed and rushed' legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test. The group of 14 MPs, including Lib Dems, Labour, Green Party and Conservative members, said the rules would deter 100,000 overseas students from studying in the UK.
     
  • More misleading claims about migration : ippr article. This article by Sarah Mulley from the Institute for Public Policy Research is a response to the publication of a Migration Watch briefing that purports to show that migration to the UK from outside the EU for work has increased by 20 per cent since the introduction of the Points-Based System in 2008.
     
  • Advising third-country nationals: A training resource for EU Employment and Careers Services. This new training resources, published by IMPACT (Integrating Migrants through the Provision of Adaptability and Competence Training) aims at public employment agencies and local/regional authorities to help their staff to better understand the needs of third-country nationals and to become familiar with helpful approaches that can be used to support their integration into the labour market. The training resource is based on the methods developed by the IMPACT project partners from five EU countries (Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and UK) aimed at addressing high rates of unemployment among particular groups of third-country nationals legally residing in the EU.
     
  • Health Inequalities Intervention Toolkit. To support Primary Care Trusts and local authorities, the Association of Public Health Observatories and Department of Health have developed the Health Inequalities Intervention Toolkit. This is designed to assist evidence-based local service planning and commissioning, including Joint Strategic Needs Assessments.
     
  • Health of Migrants the Way Forward: report of a global consultation. World Health Organisation, International Organisation for Migration and the Ministry of Health and Social Policy of Spain organized a Global Consultation on the health of migrants in Madrid on 3−5 March 2010.This publication provides a synthesis of the key discussion points of the Consultation, its outcomes and the background materials prepared for the event.
     
  • 'Migrants: developing a sense of belonging' - article in Foundation Focus. Quality of life and integration of migrants are two closely related issues. Successful integration can not only boost migrants’ quality of life but also helps to prevent or ease tensions between newcomers and long-standing residents. This leads to a more cohesive society with a higher quality of life for all.
     
  • European Local Authorities Competition: Good Practices in Supporting Migrant Elders' Initiatives. The Ministry for Generations, Family, Women and Integration of North Rhine-Westphalia, in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, calls upon European cities and municipalities to present best practices which promote active ageing and integration of elderly migrants in the following sectors: housing; leisure and culture; social and intergenerational activities;  support of economic activities related to culturally sensitive products and services; support of volunteering by and for migrant elders. Applications must be sent by 31 October 2010 and the winners will be awarded on 9 February 2011 in the Committee of the Regions.
     
  • PhD studentship opportunity – Anglia Ruskin University. Faculty of Health & Social Care, Cambridge. Funding availability: Directly Funded Project (European Students Only). Application deadline: Monday 21 June 2010. Migration from Poland into the UK and Germany since 2004: An investigation of a specific social policy area. The project focuses on the migration of Polish citizens to the UK and Germany. Existing literature on the migration from Accession countries has especially dealt with employment, skills and/or housing issues. The proposed project gives the opportunity to either expand on a social policy area which has been analysed more extensively since 2004 or to focus on a social policy area which has been less investigated (such as education or health). During the three year scholarship the student will spend some time in Germany at one of Anglia Ruskin’s partner universities to gather primary data for Germany. For further information please contact Claudia.schneider@anglia.ac.uk. The start date for this project is 20 September 2010. £12,940 stipend plus fees paid (UK & EU). Non EU overseas Applicants are welcome to apply but are required to pay the difference between the tuition fees. Successful applicants will be expected to undertake up to 6 hours teaching each week during term time. For application information please email admissions@anglia.ac.uk giving your contact details.

    •  


  • Week of 31st May - 4th June 2010
     

    • Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Migrant Children's Project Update June 2010. The Migrant Children's Project (previously Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project) aims to help non-immigration specialist professionals working with asylum seeking and refugee children find out about this group of children's rights and entitlements.
  • The Justice and Home Affairs Council conclusions on Stockholm action plan, unaccompanied minors and European Pact on Immigration and Asylum. The Justice and Home Affairs Council discussed and adopted conclusions on the Stockholm Programme on 3 June 2010. The Council also adopted conclusions on unaccompanied minors, stressing the importance of a global approach, which respects the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Finally, following the first Annual Report on the implementation of the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum submitted by the Commission in May, the Council adopted conclusions on its follow-up.

    • Migration

  • Worker Registration Scheme local authority data. Access the January 2010 - March 2010 local authority level WRS data from the UK Border Agency. This up-to-date information will not only enable you to discover more about your changing local population, but is invaluable in planning your services. You will be able to investigate new migrant employment patterns including seasonal working, which is essential in building up local economic and employment knowledge. Access to the local authority data is restricted to local authorities and other government users who register on this site with a .gov.uk email address. If you do not have a .gov.uk email address you can access national data via Home Office's Control of Immigration: Quarterly Statistical Summary, alternatively you may wish to email them directly at FreedomofInformation.Employment@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk with your request.
  • May 2010 Migration Statistics: Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) briefing. ippr reviews and analyses the latest migration figures published by the Office for National Statistics, which show that net immigration is falling. ippr shows that this is largely explained by decreased immigration rather than increased emigration and draw out lessons for future immigration policy.
  • Update to the Tier 2 policy guidance for skilled workers. The UK Border Agency has published an addition to the policy guidance for Tier 2 of the points-based system (version 04/10). This clarifies the length of the permission to stay in the UK that may be given to all Tier 2 applicants, except those applying under the Graduate trainees and Skills transfer sub-categories of Tier 2 (Intra company transfer).

 

Week of 24th-28th May

 

 

Week of 17th – 21st May 2010

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Destitution amongst asylum-seeking and refugee children. This new report on the Children’s Society’s West Midlands Destitution Project reveals that in the first year of its operation across the West Midlands, the project helped 264 children whose families have no means of survival because the adults have been unable to get the help they need from the State, and are not allowed to work or claim benefits. Families were provided with crisis grants and resources, as well as supported to access advice to help them resolve their situation. Press release:
    http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk//whats_happening/media_office/latest_news/20833_pr.html
     
  • Detention of children in Dungavel ends. Children of failed asylum seekers will no longer be detained overnight at Dungavel immigration removal centre, the Home Office announced on 19 May 2010. Families detained in Scotland may undergo initial health and welfare screening at the facility but will then be moved to Yarl's Wood centre in Bedfordshire which has specialist facilities and support services.
     
  • ICMC: New edition of the “Welcome to Europe!” guide on resettlement. This guide by the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) Europe describes the role and responsibilities of main stakeholders regarding resettlement activities, and provides country-by-country descriptions of existing resettlement programmes and “best practices”. The updated edition includes sections on new countries engaged in annual resettlement such as France and Portugal and an overview of new time-specific resettlement initiatives. Press release:
    http://www.icmc.net/article/rebuilding-lives-through-refugee-resettlement-updated-guide-offers-support-european-governme

    • Migration

  • Development on the Move: Measuring and Optimising Migration’s Economic and Social Impacts. This report presents the main findings from the major global research project carried out between 2006 and 2010 by the Global Development Network (GDN) and the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr). This ground-breaking project has examined a wide range of migration’s impacts on development, by conducting primary research in seven countries, across six continents.
     
  • Business start-up guide for immigrant entrepreneurs. EU-Imminent is an Interactive business start-up guide for immigrant entrepreneurs. It is a European Union Leonardo da Vinci funded initiative, established to design and pilot a web-based information/training resource specifically for immigrant entrepreneurs looking to set up their own business. It will be developed taking into account the specific needs of Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities in establishing a business.
  • “Making the case for community development” guidance. This guidance is designed to help keep community development (CD) alive in places where it is in danger of dying out. The Community Development Foundation (CDF) is working to support CD workers in local authorities to build a case for their roles, their projects and for CD in general. This guidance is the first product of this work, and aims to get CD workers thinking about decision makers’ agendas, and how CD work contributes to these goals. With the recent change in government agendas may change, but this guide provides a structure to help CD workers focus on responding to policy priorities.

 

Week of 10th-14th May 2010

 

Week of 3rd-7th May 2010

 

Week of 26th-30th April 2010

 

Week of 19th-23rd April 2010

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Party leaders sign the Asylum Election Pledge. Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Nick Clegg and hundreds of other parliamentary candidates have signed up to the Refugee Council, Liberty and Scottish Refugee Council’s asylum election pledge. Press release:
    http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/archive/press/2010/april/210410_pressrelease_electionpledge
     
  • New report from Scottish Refugee Council. The Scottish Refugee Council has published a new report: “One Day We Will Be Reunited: Experiences of Refugee Family Reunion in the UK”

    • Migration

  • National Strategic Migrant Rough Sleepers Group. On 8 April 2010 the latest meeting of the national strategic migrant rough sleepers group took place, focusing on employment. This is a group that was established in 2009 by Lord Roberts of Llandudno and is attended by Communities and Local Government, Homeless Link, UKBA, embassies and other relevant officials. This meeting also included representatives from DWP, the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority and the Greater London Authority. If you would like to feed any issues in to this group, please contact joanne.crellen@homelesslink.org.uk
     
  • New report on homelessness and migration from Homeless Link. Homeless Link has conducted a survey of members and refugee agencies to better understand patterns of homelessness amongst migrants, their support needs, and how agencies are able to address these needs.
     
  • EU countries agree to strengthen their health policies regarding the most vulnerable groups. The Spanish Minster for Health and Social Policy, Trinidad Jiménez, and the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli, brought to a close the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers in Madrid, at which they agreed to strengthen policies aimed at the most vulnerable groups, to ensure social equity and equal access to health care. Ministers agreed on a number of key priorities including the improvement of monitoring systems to identify the most vulnerable groups, such as immigrants, ethnic minorities, disabled and socially excluded people.
     
  • European Commission acts to bolster citizens' data protection, protect defendants' rights and enhance immigration and asylum cooperation. Citizens expect to have the same rights and sense of security throughout the European Union. Creating a single area of justice and security for 500 million Europeans is a top priority for the European Commission in the next five years. On 20 April 2010 the Commission presented concrete actions – with set timetables – to boost citizens' ability to work, travel and study outside their home countries. The proposals will enhance citizens' security with better judicial cooperation and increased solidarity through a common immigration and asylum policy.
  • Quick World Migration Statistics. These charts show the top ten countries in terms of the size and share of international migrants
     

Week of 12th-16th April 2010

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • New advice leaflets on the Refugee Councilﾒs multilingual website. Two new advice leaflets on asylum support have been uploaded on the Refugee Council’s multilingual site. The first leaflet explains how to apply to receive cash only support when moving from accommodation provided by the UK Border Agency to living with family or a friend. It also outlines what needs to be considered before doing so. The second leaflet explains how the Section 4 support Azure payment card works and provides information on what to do if there are problems.
  • Migrant Children's Project Update April 2010. The Migrant Children's Project (previously Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project) aims to help non-immigration specialist professionals working with asylum seeking and refugee children find out about this group of children's rights and entitlements.

    • Migration

  • The Migration Parliamentary Group (MPG) 'myth busting' fact sheets. Those fact sheets cover a range of issues that feature in the current debate on migration; migrant contribution; health; employment/jobs and wages, skills, population, housing, public services and education/higher education. They aim to help deliver a more balanced and less emotive debate on the benefits of migration in advance of the forthcoming General Election.
     
  • Alienation not immigration fuelling BNP support, says new Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) report. It is not immigration but alienation and an inability to overcome social challenges such as isolation and low skills which are the main drivers for BNP support, says a study covering 150 local authorities launched by ippr. This important finding contradicts the argument that immigration is to ‘blame’ for pushing voters into the arms of the BNP. It suggests the opposite in fact, that where people have experience of living with migrants they are less likely to vote for the BNP. Press release: http://www.ippr.org.uk/pressreleases/?id=3957
     
  • Handbook on Integration for policy-makers and practitioners (3rd edition - 2010). Seven years ago, at the European Council in Thessaloniki, the Heads of State and Government called for more discussion on integration between Member States with a view to learning from one another. The European Commission, in cooperation with the National Contact Points on Integration, experts who meet together regularly, decided to draw up a handbook of good practice. The third edition of this handbook has just been published. It covers various subjects including: ‘the mass media and integration’, ‘awareness-raising and migrant empowerment’, ‘dialogue platforms’, ‘acquisition of nationality and practice of active citizenship’ and ‘immigrant youth, education and the labour market’.

 

Week of 5th -9th April 2010

Week of 29th March – 2nd April 2010

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

  • Azure Payment Card can now be used at most Morrisons stores across the country.The Azure Payment Card for Section 4 Service Users can now be used at most Morrisons stores across the country. Please note that the card can only be used in the stores themselves, and will not be accepted in petrol stations, restaurants or other associated outlets. For technical reasons there are 8 stores that are not yet able to accept the card, which are in Bishopbriggs, Melton Mowbray, Walsall, Eastwood (Southend), Caterham, Portsmouth, Congleton and Guisborough.
     
  • “Safe at Last” report. Refugee and Migrant Justice has published a new report, 'Safe at Last', looking at entrant interviews of unaccompanied children and representing their experiences in their own words.
     
  • Living in Limbo: Forced Migrant Destitution in Europe. This report by the Jesuit Refugee Service Europe describes the social and legal situation of forced migrants who came from countries outside the European Union and are living in destitution in the following EU Member States: Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Annexes contain summaries of the situation in France, Slovenia and Ukraine.

    • Migration

  • East of England Local Government Association. The East of England LGA is a new voluntary association set up by the 52 local authorities in the region following the abolition of the East of England Regional Assembly on 31 March 2010. The East of England LGA will work closely with a wide range of partners in the public, voluntary and private sectors and it will also manage the East of England Strategic Migration Partnership. East of England LGA information pack:
    http://www.eelga.gov.uk/news-and-campaigns/information-packs.aspx
     
  • The Limits to Limits: Is a cap on immigration a viable policy for the UK?  ippr briefing. This ippr briefing is an attempt to work through the implications of introducing a cap on immigration to the UK.
     
  • Speech on controlling immigration for a fairer Britain This is a transcript of the speech by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in East London on 31 March 2010. He talks about how the government is transforming the way it deals with immigration through its controlled and fair points-based system. Press release: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page23012
    Live online discussion on immigration with Phil Woolas:
    http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page22996
     
  • Key dates for Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme. If you are a Tier 4 (General) sponsor and you want to sponsor students as a Highly Trusted sponsor, there are certain key dates that you need to remember.
  • What works with integrating new migrants? Drawing on global examples of best practice, this report explores what meaningful integration might look like; reviews international labour market, political, social and cultural integration strategies; and discusses ways of benchmarking successful integration. Press release:
    http://www.runnymedetrust.org/news/160/30/Problem-is-integration-not-number-of-new-migrants.html

 

Week of 22nd-26th March 2010

Week of 15th-19th March 2010

Week of 8th-12th March 2010

Week of 1st-5th March 2010

    Asylum-seekers and refugees

    Protests at Yarl's Wood: Refugee Council response. As women continue to hunger strike at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre in protest over the conditions and length of their detention, the Refugee Council is calling for an end to the indefinite detention of people who have claimed asylum. The Refugee Council is deeply concerned about the current events at Yarl's Wood, and is disappointed the government has dismissed evidence from detainees themselves about their treatment there, as well as ignoring the growing body of evidence from health professionals that immigration detention is seriously damaging to physical and mental wellbeing.

  • Refugee Council briefing: “Rape and sexual violence: the experiences of refugee women in the UK”. This briefing summarises the Refugee Council's key concerns about the situation of refugee and asylum seeking women in the UK who have survived rape and sexual violence, based on our experience of working with women to provide specialist support, practical help and counselling.

    • Migration

  • UK Border Agency bi-monthly stakeholder update. This update includes agency-wide news, information on issues relating to border control, immigration and international developments and has updates on current consultations and the work of stakeholder groups.
     
  • Development: Do points mean prizes? How the UK’s migration policies could benefit the world’s poor. This paper examines the nature of migration’s development impacts in some depth and asks how the Government can ensure that the UK’s migration policies contribute positively to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people, as well as benefiting British citizens.
     
  • Changes to Tier 4 student visa applications from 3 March 2010. New requirements for student applications under Tier 4 of the points-based system came into effect on 3 March 2010.
     
  • Council of Europe’s Anti-Racism Commission publishes new report on the United Kingdom. The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published its fourth report on the United Kingdom which deals with racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance in this country. ECRI’s Chair, Nils Muiznieks, pointed out positive steps in fighting discrimination, but also expressed concern that racist incidents had become more frequent, police powers were exercised in a manner that disproportionately affected minority groups, Gypsies and Travellers still faced serious discrimination and asylum-seekers remained in a vulnerable position. Press release:
    http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/ecri/Library/PressReleases/61-02_03_2010_UnitedKingdom_en.asp
     
  • EU social policy to ease the integration of immigrants. The EU should strengthen the links between its integration policies and the Social Policy Agenda and the 2010 review of the Social Agenda should take greater account of the social effects of immigration. These are the key demands of the opinion on Integration and Social Agenda adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee in February.
  • European Migration Network’s Asylum and Migration Glossary. The purpose of this EMN Glossary of terms relating to Asylum and Migration is inter alia to improve comparability between EU Member States through the use and common understanding of the terms and definitions contained in it. EMN Glossary (Publication)

 

Week of 22nd-26th February 2010

 

Week of 15-19th February 2010

 

Week of 8th-12th February 2010

 

Week of 1st-5th February 2010

 

Week of 25th-29th January 2010

 

Week of 18th-22nd January 2010

 

Week of 11th -15th January 2010

 

Week of 4th-8th January 2010


Week of 7th-11th December 2009

Week of 30th November - 4th December 2009

    Asylum Seekers and Refugees

  • New Supreme Court’s ruling : age disputed cases to be determined by the Courts and not local authorities. This case (R(A) v London Borough of Croydon, R(M) v London Borough of Lambeth) concerns disputes over the age assessments undertaken by the two local authorities. A and M, two unaccompanied asylum seekers, claimed to be children and therefore ‘children in need’ under section 20 of the Children Act 1989. The relevant local authorities rejected their age claims. The case addressed the lawfulness of the age assessment ‘regime’ for young people, and the effect of the Supreme Court’s decision is that where there is a dispute as to whether a young person is a child, the issue is to be determined by the Courts and not by local authorities. Press summary:  http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/docs/uksc_2009_0106_ps.pdf
     
  • Home Affairs Committee - First Report: “The Detention of Children in the Immigration System”.
     
  • Seeking Support: A Guide to the Rights and Entitlements of Separated Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children available here.
     
  • Migrant Children's Project update December 2009. The Migrant Children's Project (previously Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project) aims to help non- immigration specialist professionals working with asylum seeking and refugee children find out about this group of children's rights and entitlements.
     
  • A three-month pilot scheme for victims of domestic violence with NRPF. The pilot is open to those victims who entered the UK on a spouse or partner visa, and who have experienced domestic abuse within their two year probationary period in the UK. The pilot runs nationally from 30th November 2009 for a three month period and will be monitored and evaluated throughout with an overall evaluation being conducted in March 2010 which will assist in informing next steps in developing a longer-term solution to the issue. Refuges supporting the victims will be provided with 4 weeks (20 working days) of funding to support the victim while they complete an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Domestic Violence Rule. Once an application is submitted and received by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), the refuge will be provided with further funding for a maximum of 4 weeks (20 working days) whilst UKBA come to a decision on their application.
     
  • Seeking refuge? A handbook for asylum seeking women. This publication by the Rights of Women aims to help asylum seeking women, and those that support them, understand the law that determines who is entitled to protection in the UK and how decisions are made.
     
  • Women’s Asylum News - November/December 2009. This latest issue of the Asylum Aid’s newsletter includes sector update, significant legal issues, UK and international events, and new publications. 
     
  • European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) - interview with Debora Singer from Asylum Aid. Following the UK government’s publication of an ambitious strategy to end violence against women and girls, refugee organisations are concerned that the specific needs of female asylum seekers who are often victims of such abuses, are not adequately addressed. ‘Every Single Woman’, a new campaign launched by the British NGO Asylum Aid, reveals the large gaps in support offered to victims settled in the UK and to women fleeing violence in their home countries. ECRE interviewed Debora Singer, Women’s Project Coordinator responsible for the campaign at Asylum Aid. ‘Every Single Woman’ campaign briefing and extended campaign briefing
     
  • Legal Services Commission announces invitations to tender for immigration and asylum contracts from 2010. On 30 November 2009 the Legal Services Commission announced its Invitations to Tender for all immigration and asylum work from October 2010. The LSC are inviting tenders for immigration and asylum work separately from the main civil tender process, which will take place in February 2010. The Immigration and Asylum tender process is happening now in an effort to ease the burden on legal aid practitioners who are taking part in both tender processes, and to alleviate the pressure of running all civil bid rounds at the same time. The closing date for bids is 28 January 2010. This allows sufficient time to consider bids for immigration and asylum work on offer, and takes into account the Christmas holiday period. Press release:
    http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/aboutus/press_releases_10617.asp?page=1

    • Migration

  • Publication of MAC report on Tier 1 of the points-based system - 4 December 2009. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a report addressing the following question from the government in relation to Tier 1 of the points-based system: 'What further changes to the criteria for Tier 1 should there be in 2010/11, given the changing economic circumstances? Click here for the MAC report.
     
  • Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) launches call for evidence in relation to spring 2010 review of shortage occupation list. The Committee has launched a call for evidence in relation to those occupations being reviewed for the Committee's next report on shortage occupations, due for publication in the spring of 2010. These are: pharmacists, fishermen, engineering technicians (with specific reference to aircraft component manufacturing engineers) and musicians. The deadline for responses is 29 January 2010. For further details of the review please see the letter recently issued to relevant stakeholders and also a simple guide to submitting evidence. Guide to submitting evidence:
    http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/workingwithus/mac/Simpleguide.pdf  
     
  • Tier 4: students' experiences (applying from outside the UK). UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is calling on UKBA to improve the application process for students under Tier 4. Results of the survey show that the system has worked well for substantial numbers of students, but for many others, difficulties with forms, guidance and procedures or errors and obstruction from Entry Clearance Officers and commercial partners resulted in delays, extra costs and unnecessary refusals.  Full report here.   
     
  • The employment of migrant labour in the East Midlands.The East Midlands have been a significant destination for migrant workers from the EU Accession States. This study is a preliminary investigation into the impact the employment of migrant workers has had on employers’ practices in the management of human resources and the employment relationship.
     
  • Employer use of migrant labour - motivations, experiences and HR responses.This study, conducted between April and September 2008, had as its principle aims to investigate the procedural and employment relations’ challenges surrounding the employment of migrant labour. The particular focus of the study was to consider both whether HR policies and practices influenced the employment of migrant workers; and also whether their use had a subsequent impact on HR arrangements.
     
  • The recession's impact on immigrants.This article from the Migration Information Source describes the impacts of recession on migrants all over the world and also presents recent trends in the UK and Ireland. 
  • Economic and Social Research Council, Keele University Seminar Series: The impact of migrant workers on the functioning of labour markets and industrial relations. This seminar series has been developed by the British Universities Industrial Relations Association (BUIRA) study group on 'Migrant Labour and Industrial Relations'. The aim of the seminar series is to present and analyse research into the impact of migration upon the operation of labour markets and the regulation of the employment relationship in the United Kingdom. The first seminar took place on 11 November, and there are five more planned (dates have not been confirmed yet).

Week of 23rd-27th November 2009

 

Week of 16th-20th November 2009

    Asylum Seekers and Refugees

  • Care Leavers’ Association survey reveals that 145 looked after young people have gone missing from care in the last year. A survey of 202 local authorities across the UK, conducted by the Care Leavers’ Association (CLA), revealed that, over the last year, at least 145 children and young people have gone missing from care, with the local authorities having no knowledge of their whereabouts.
     
  • New project working with young refugees and asylum seekers. InterACT is a new Citizenship Foundation project which will be running in communities across the UK over the next three years. The project is based on the Citizenship Foundation's award winning Youth Act model. It aims to support groups of 16-25 year old refugees and asylum seekers to come together with locally resident young people and identify joint issues of concern to them, and their communities, and to develop campaigns to tackle them. Through this process the project seeks to break down barriers to integration for young asylum seekers and refugees, thus building greater community cohesion. For further information about the project please contact Xenia on Xenia.Davis@citizenshipfoundation.org.uk or on 020 7566 4153
     
  • European Parliament’s Committees adopt draft Resolution on the Stockholm Programme. On 12 November, at a joint meeting, the European Parliament’s Committees on Civil Liberties, Legal Affairs and Constitutional Affairs adopted a draft resolution on the five-year Justice and Home Affairs Programme (2010-2014), the so-called Stockholm Programme. The EP’s resolution calls for the policies on integration, immigration and asylum to be built on “the widest respect of fundamental rights” and on the basis of a system of “compulsory and irrevocable solidarity” between Member States and increased cooperation with third countries.

    • Migration

  • East of England Employers and Diversity - survey. The East of England is one of the most vibrant, inclusive and rapidly changing areas of the UK. What role do employers in the region play in promoting equality and diversity? You are invited to participate in this short survey of employers operating in the private, public and the voluntary sector. This survey is being conducted to find out more about current equality practice in the East of England Region. In particular, the importance employers place on equality and whether employers have found particular policies or practice that work well for their business/organisation. This survey is part of a research project commissioned by MENTER, a leading equality organisation. For more information contact us at: equalitiesintheeast@googlemail.com or visit
    www.menter.org.uk
     
  • Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Triennial Review: drop in sessions to gather case studies, stories and real life experiences of discrimination and prejudice. EHRC would like to know what it feels like to experience discrimination and how it affects peoples’ lives. The Call for Evidence will be running to 15 January 2010 and EHRC will be holding a series of drop in sessions during this period to allow individuals and organisations to meet with them face to face and discuss key issues on the following dates: 1 December 10am-3pm (Manchester); 14 January 1pm - 5pm (London). If you would like to attend please email EHRC at triennialreview@equalityhumanrights.com to book a slot between any of the above times. Alternatively, please call their London reception on 020 3117 0235. You can also submit information by answering questions on line, downloading a word document and sending it back to EHRC or arranging to talk to EHRC over the phone.

 

Week of 9th-13th November 2009

 

Week of 2nd-6th November 2009

 

Week of 26th-31st October 2009

 

Week of 19th-23rd October 2009

 

    Asylum Seekers and Refugees

  • Update from UKBA on in-country ‘lorry drop’ reporting and UASC reporting in the East of England. EERA-SMP has now obtained confirmation from UK Border Agency that in-country ‘lorry drop’ reporting and UASC reporting in the East of England are not affected by the changes to initial asylum applications and further submissions announced by UKBA on 14 October 2009 and included in last week’s newsflash.
     
  • Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children - the numbers supported and the cost of support in the last four financial years. Immigration Minister Phil Woolas has given figures in parliament for spending on the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children Grant to local authorities and the number of children supported for the last four financial years. The grant covers the main areas of local authority expenditure in this area.
     
  • Unaccompanied asylum seeking children - local authority grants. The UK Border Agency has issued the documentation for the UASC grant 2009/10 and the UASC leaving care costs grant 2009/10. These set out the arrangements for the payments to local authorities in respect of eligible unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) and eligible former unaccompanied asylum seeking children (leaving care).
     
  • Second-tier Advice Line on asylum support for agencies and organisation working with asylum seekers. Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) is the only agency in the UK which specialises in asylum support appeals. Its second-tier Advice Line enables other advisers to access the relevant expertise directly and receive legal advice for their clients. Refugee community organisations and other voluntary agencies who are advocating on behalf of asylum seekers about their asylum support / asylum support appeals can call the Advice Line on 0845 603 3884. The Advice Line is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 2pm and 4pm.
     
  • A single and fairer asylum procedure for a uniform status in the EU: putting in place the final building blocks for international protection. On 21 October 2009 the European Commission adopted proposals to amend two existing legislative instruments of the Common European Asylum System: the Directive on qualification and status of persons in need of international protection and the Directive on asylum procedures.
     
  • Joint EU resettlement of refugees programme proposed. In September the European Commission proposed the establishment of a "Joint EU Resettlement Programme". This programme aims to develop resettlement within the EU into a more effective instrument to give protection to refugees, providing for closer political and practical cooperation among EU Member States. This initiative concerns the resettlement of refugees from third countries (i.e. non-EU) to an EU Member State. Resettlement is the transfer of refugees, who have provisional protection, from the first country of asylum to another country, where they can start a new life and find permanent protection. The programme proposed provides for closer political and practical cooperation among the Member States, consisting of a mechanism allowing for the setting of common annual priorities on resettlement and for a more effective use of the financial assistance available for member States through the European Refugee Fund. There are currently 10 Member States which carry out resettlement on an annual basis (including the UK), while some of the other Member States resettle refugees on an ad-hoc basis.

    • Migration

  • Latest recommended shortage occupation lists published. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends that the shortage occupation route should include teachers in special schools and skilled meat boners and trimmers on its list of jobs most in need of immigrant labour. In response to changing economic circumstances, the MAC also recommends that some engineering and construction jobs be removed from the list as well as ship and hovercraft officers. For the time being skilled chefs remain on the recommended list. However, the MAC expects to see accelerated efforts to train up the UK workforce in this profession before the lists are reviewed again next year. Press release:
    http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2009/october/24-mac-sol-additions
     
  • Local authority support for the education of children of migrant workers : report by the Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales (Estyn).This report presents Estyn’s findings on the quality of provision for the children of migrant workers, particularly from the European Union (EU) Accession states, who attend maintained schools in Wales. The report also comments on the standards achieved by these children. Press release:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8315512.stm
     
  •  A new system to identify and support victims of trafficking has dealt with nearly 150 people in its first three months. New figures from the National Referral Mechanism, established in April 2009 as a new system to identify and aid trafficking victims, show 40 children and 108 adults have been identified by UK Border Agency officers and police as possible victims of trafficking. A revised action plan on tackling human trafficking contains updates on each of the main areas of the original plan (produced in 2007), including some additional actions. Update to the UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking:
    http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/humantrafficking004b.pdf
     
  • National Population Projections, 2008-based.The population of the United Kingdom is projected to increase by over 4 million to 65.6 million in 2018, according to new population projections released on 21 October 2009 by the Office for National Statistics. Over the next 25 years, the UK population is projected to rise from an estimated 61.4 million in 2008 to 71.6 million by 2033. It is projected that the population of the UK will exceed 70 million by 2029. Of the 10.2 million projected increase in the UK population over the next 25 years, 55 per cent is projected natural increase (more births than deaths) and 45 per cent is projected net migration. Press release: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/pprojnr1009.pdf
     
  • Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa: the most demographically extreme regions. This report examines the world’s two most demographically extreme regions: Sub-Saharan Africa (most rapid population growth) and Eastern Europe (fastest shrinking population), both of which are of interest in terms of future migration.
     
  • Leaflets on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), healthcare entitlement for EEA and non-EEA visitors and hospital treatment for non-resident UK citizens. These leaflets are part of a suite of information for overseas visitor managers in support of the new arrangements by which NHS trusts should record and report treatments (including planned treatments) of visitors from the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
     
  • Communication on Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU. Following a consultation earlier this year, the European Commission has published a policy document on reducing health inequalities in the EU. The document provides an analysis of health inequalities in the EU, current EU policies in this area and puts forward a number of activities to address health inequalities. Press release:
    http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/socio_economics/documents/com2009_pr_en.pdf .Further information:
    http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/socio_economics/cons_inequalities_en.htm
     

Week of 12th-16th October 2009

Week of 5th-9th October 2009

    Asylum Seekers and Refugees

  • Refugee Council briefing on UKBA changes to guidance used by caseworkers for considering legacy cases. On 12 August 2009, UKBA made some changes to their Enforcement Guidance and Instructions. The changes are technical, but are likely to have an impact on some asylum seekers who have been waiting for several years for their asylum claims to be resolved, and whose cases are Case Resolution cases that have not yet been considered by the Case Resolution Directorate (CRD). This briefing provides information about the changes, what they mean, who may be affected, and what individuals should do if they think they are affected by the change.
     
  • Asylum seekers - government response. The government has responded to claims in the media that up to 40,000 asylum seekers will be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom because it would be too difficult to return them to their home countries.
     
  • Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project Update October 2009. The Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project aims to help non-immigration specialist professionals working with asylum seeking and refugee children find out about this group of children's rights and entitlements.
     
  • Refugee Stories learning resource. The Refugee Communities History Project has made available the Refugee Stories learning resource for use by teachers at secondary school level.
  • Ethnic Enable charity in Glasgow. Ethnic Enable, a charity based in Glasgow, helps minority ethnic disabled people and their helpers (including those from asylum seeker and refugee communities) achieve a better quality of life by improving access to educational, employment, social welfare, health, leisure, recreational and cultural opportunities. This charity is interested in sharing experiences of other organisations involved in this area of activity and possibly forging partnerships with similar minded organisations in other EU countries. Contact details: Monica Mhoja; Development Officer; Ethnic Enable; 39 Napiershall Street; Glasgow; G20 6EZ. Tel: +44 (0) 141 334 2277 or email monica.mhoja@ethnicenable.org.uk

 

    Migration

  • Migration Statistics Improvement Programme - October releases. ONS have published a research report including a first set of short-term immigration estimates at local area level. This product has been developed as part of the Migration Statistics Improvement Programme. The report includes detail on the methods developed and estimates for each local authority in England & Wales. A feedback form is also contained within the report as ONS are keen for users to comment on the estimates in relation to research they have carried out. Please return any completed feedback forms to short.term.migration@ons.gov.uk by 1 December 2009. Also published are research reports on the use of School Census and Migrant Worker Scan data to improve migration and population statistics. These are also being published as part of the Migration Statistics Improvement Programme.
     
  • Important changes for sponsors under the points-based system. On 5 October 2009 the UK Border Agency published revised guidance for employers and education providers who sponsor migrants under the points-based system, and enabled education providers to use the sponsorship management system for the first time.
     
  • New versions of Tier 4 application forms and points-based system dependant form. The UK Border Agency has revised its application forms and guidance for migrants who want to study in the United Kingdom under Tier 4 of the points-based system and for dependants of points-based system migrants. From 5 October 2009 new versions 10/09 of Tier 4 (General), Tier 4 (Child) and PBS dependant application forms have been published on this website and they will replace the old versions 06/09.
  • Immigration Group Stakeholder Alert - October 2009. In this month’s Stakeholder Alert, you can read about national news from across the UK Border Agency, including the first national Immigration Crime conference, the Points Based System, ID Cards for Foreign Nationals and Earned Citizenship.

Week of 28th September -2nd October 2009


Week of 21st-25th September 2009


Week of 14th-18th September 2009

 

 

Week of 7th-11th September 2009

 

 

Week of 31 August -3rd September 2009

 

 


Week of 24th-28th August 2009

 

 

Week of 3rd - 7th August 2009

 

Week of 20th-24th July 2009
 

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Archived from previous weeks:

Week of 13th-17th July 2009

Week of 6th-10th July 2009


Week of 22nd – 26th June 2009

Week of 15th -19th June 2009

Week of 1st - 5th June 2009

Week of 25th-29th May 2009

Week of 18th-22nd May 2009

Week of 11th-15th May 2009

Week of 4th- 8th May 2009

Week of 27th April – 1st May 2009


Week of 16th to 20th February 2009

  1. No recourse to public funds (NRPF) network briefing February 2009.
  2. No Recourse to Public Funds: Financial Implications for Local Authorities.
  3. Royal College of GPs - Position Statement on Primary Care Access for Failed Asylum Seekers & Vulnerable Migrants.
  4. A Global Report on Trafficking in Persons launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
  5. UK Migration Controversies: A Simple Guide. T
  6. Homeless Link and the Advice on Individual Rights in Europe (AIRE) Centre - transitional arrangements.
  7. Homeless Link’s report on rough sleeping amongst Eastern and Central Europeans in London.
  8. Representatives of overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasting organizations.
  9. The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) updates. .
     

    10. back to top

    Week of 9th-13th February 2009
     

  10. How to involve hard to reach children-guide
  11. What price does a refugee pay to reach Europe?
  12. Office for National Statistics (ONS) migrant worker employment statistics
  13. Proposed fee levels for visas and sponsor licences in 2009/10
  14. Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL] 2008-09
  15. Identity cards for foreign nationals to extend to further immigration categories
  16. New countries face tough visa rules
  17. Multilingualism brings communities closer together
  18. International Organisation for Migration (IOM) brief: The impact of the global financial crisis on migration

    19. Week of 2nd-6th February 2009

  19. The Gateway Protection Programme: an evaluation
  20. The potential of migrant and refugee community organisations to influence policy
  21. Empowering Birmingham’s migrant and refugee community organisations: Joseph Rowntree Foundation report
  22. Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) warns the UK government not to resort to protecting jobs in this country for UK workers
  23. Increase in foreign workers over past three years
  24. Evaluation of Partners Outreach for Ethnic Minorities: Interim report
  25. Online survey of the impact of ESOL policy changes

      26.  

    Week of 26th-30th January 2009

  26. Report suggests many are left in detention centre limbo
  27. HM Inspectorate of Prisons annual report 2007-2008.
  28. The Newsletter of the Asylum Support Partnership (ASP)
  29. Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR). T
  30. European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) adopts report on detention centres .
  31. UK Border Agency presentation on sponsor licensing. 
  32. Universities and colleges warned to sign up now to the new points system if they want to teach international students.
  33. Creating Spaces: Community development approaches to building stronger communities.

    34. Week of 19th-23rd January 2009

  34. UK National Audit Office (NAO): Report on Management of Asylum Applications by the UK Border Agency.
  35. UKBA Response to the National Audit Office report on management of asylum applications
  36. The impact of the recession on migrant labour -  LGA paper.
  37. Migrants and refugees among Council of Europe’s Commission for Human Rights - thematic priorities for 2009.
  38. Ethnicity and Family: relationships within and between ethnic groups - Equality and Human Rights Commission report.

    39. Week of 12th-16th January 2009

  39. The position of the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in light of the recent judgement by the Asylum Immigration Tribunal [AIT] and its impact on Zimbabwean asylum-seekers.
  40. New resource for integrating refugee children and young people:
  41. Consultation on revised statutory guidance for local authorities on children missing from home or care.
  42. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) migrant worker website .
  43. Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill -first reading in the House of Lords
  44. Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill  comments from the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr).

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    45. Week of 5th-9th January 2009

    1. Keeping children safe from harm new UKBA code of practice
    2. IAS case in Court of Appeal extends power of judiciary against that of Home Office with regard to Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children
    3. Online toolkits for refugee community organisations (RCOs) Financial management toolkit:http://www.thebasisproject.org.uk/Resources/The%20Basis%20Project/Documents/PDF/FMfull7.pdf. ;Fundraising toolkit:http://www.thebasisproject.org.uk/Resources/The%20Basis%20Project/Documents/PDF/Fundraising-full3.pdf
    4. New policy on judicial reviews that challenge removals
    5. Early successes of the new points system for foreign workers
    6. Universities and colleges sign up to new system for foreign students
    7. Sources of resentment, and perceptions of ethnic minorities among poor white people in England
    8. Cohesion Delivery Framework: Overview
    9. National minimum wage guides for workers and employers. Short guide for workers:http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file48128.pdf; Short guide for employers: http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file48127.pdf


      To access summaries of the 2008 Weekly Newsflash issues, click here.

       

     

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