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
Week of 28th June – 2nd July 2010
Asylum-seekers and refugees
- Transfer of Refugee & Migrant Justice cases. Following Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) being placed into administration, the Legal Services Commission has written to its DCS taskforce members specifically about unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC). Working with UKBA, they estimate that RMJ had about 300 ‘live’ on-going cases involving children. The LSC have compiled a list of other organisations who work in the same area as RMJ in order to help people arrange new representation. Please follow the link below for the list. Alternatively, using the Community Legal Advice telephone 0845 345 4345 or internet service, you may find representation more local to the client. The LSC have also reached an agreement with the tribunal service that they will adjourn hearings for those RMJ clients who have a listing date already arranged. UKBA have also agreed to postpone all interviews for all RMJ UASC clients for up to 3 weeks. Both measures are designed to allow clients a reasonable period of time to seek and obtain alternative representation. Please direct any queries to the LSC. Community Legal Advice internet address: www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk .
Email address for queries to the LSC: immigration-services@legalservices.gsi.gov.uk
- University Scholarship for Refugee Student - APPLY NOW. Hult International Business School have a FULL scholarship for a refugee to study on a 4-year undergraduate programme in London. Applicants must be: (i) a refugee originating from a war-torn country; (ii) already in the UK (to start their undergraduate programme in September 2010); (iii) proficient in English (an English proficiency test to be carried out free of charge for the suitable candidate(s). To apply – Applicants should contact Jennifer Gracie receive an application form: jennifer.gracie@hult.edu or call 0207 341 8544 .Applicants should apply by the end of July to start the course in September.
- Maternity rights & benefits for pregnant women according to their immigration status. Maternity Action has prepared a series of information sheets outlining what rights and benefits are available to pregnant women and new mothers, according to their immigration status. Please follow the links below to access the ones you need:
Asylum seekers: http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/asyluminfo.pdf
EU, EEA & Swiss nationals (including A8 & A2): http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/eueeainfo.pdf
Indefinite leave to remain, right of abode and British citizen:
http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/indefiniteleaveinfo.pdf
Refugees:
http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/refugeeinfo.pdf
Refused asylum seekers: http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/refusedasyluminfo.pdf
Undocumented migrants: http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/undocumentedinfo.pdf
Women with no recourse to public funds:
http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/norecourseinfo.pdf
Entitlement to free NHS maternity care for women from abroad:
http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/entitlementtonhscareinfo.pdf
For more information, contact Maternity Action Unit F5, 89-93 Fonthill Road, London N4 3JH. T: 0207 281 7816. E: info@maternityaction.org.uk
- Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees (ICAR) saved from closure. ICAR, previously based at London City University, was to become a casualty of higher education sector cuts when the university announced its inability to house the centre in April 2010. Without this base, ICAR was certain to close by the end of June 2010. The centre provides a source of unbiased information about asylum and refugees and managed to find a new home at the eleventh hour courtesy of race equality think-tank the Runnymede Trust. However, once Runnymede had stepped up in May 2010, the two organisations then had six weeks to raise £25,000 to cover costs of moving. Thanks to donations from individuals who gave via a dedicated web page and contributions from ICAR’s existing funders, the centre will now be able to continue its work, based at the Runnymede offices in central London.
Migration
- Longitudinal study of migrant workers in the East of England interim report 2. The Longitudinal Study of Migrant Workers 2008-2011 is the second in a series of three research reports commissioned by EEDA with ESF funding, on migrant workers in the East of England carried out by Dr. Claudia Schneider and Dr. Deborah Holman from Anglia Ruskin University.
- Limits on non-EU migration. From April 2011, the government will introduce an annual limit on applications for Tier 1 (general) and Tier 2 (general) of the points-based system. An interim limit will be introduced from 19 July 2010 until the long term limit comes into force in April 2011. UKBA will issue updated sponsor guidance on 19 July, but they have said that they will give priority to certificates of sponsorship required for extension applications and shortage occupations. Details of how the final limit will be delivered will be agreed following a 12-week government consultation with businesses. Additionally, the Home Secretary has also asked the Migration Advisory Committee, the government's independent adviser on migration issues, to launch a separate consultation into what level the limit should be set at, taking into account social and economic impacts. Consultation papers: Migration Advisory Committee & UKBA. For details of most up to date guidance on new limits, please follow the links below:
Tier 1: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/27-intro-limit-for-t1-pbs
Tier 2: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/28-intro-limit-for-t2-pbs
- Migrant Capital: a perspective on contemporary migration in London. report released on 21 June 2010 by the Migrants Rights Network shows that with 33% of its population is born overseas, immigration has been a big contributor to London’s cultural and economic vitality. This report highlights London’s role as a hub of migration to the UK. The presence of a large, diverse migrant population in London presents challenges to the national government's aim of simplifying and ‘toughening up’ immigration management.
- Call for experts to improve employment market for BME & migrant youth. The “Fulfilling promise” LEED project is analysing strategic approaches to improving employment outcomes for ethnic minority and immigrant youth. OECD LEED will be holding a seminar on this topic in collaboration with the European Commission and the OECD LEED Forum for Partnerships and Local Governance on 22 October 2010. The seminar will be used to develop a manual to provide policy advice to local practitioners. In order to feed into this process, OECD LEED is seeking experts in the field to contribute local case studies. Each case study should focus on a locality which has experienced labour market exclusion amongst ethnic minority youth and established a locally based approach to tackling this problem. Deadline: 20 July 2010
Week of 21st-25th June 2010
Week of 14th-18th June 2010
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
Week of 10th-14th May 2010
Week of 3rd-7th May 2010
Week of 26th-30th April 2010
Week of 19th-23rd April 2010
Week of 12th-16th April 2010
Week of 5th -9th April 2010
Week of 29th March – 2nd April 2010
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
Week of 23rd-27th November 2009
Week of 16th-20th November 2009
Week of 9th-13th November 2009
Week of 2nd-6th November 2009
Week of 26th-31st October 2009
Week of 19th-23rd October 2009
Week of 12th-16th October 2009
Week of 5th-9th October 2009
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
- Children’s Commissioner publishes major report on the arrest and detention of children subject to immigration control.
- Employing Refugees guide now available online.
- Our Hidden Borders: The UK Border Agency’s Powers of Detention.
- People on the Move: Handbook of Selected Terms and Concepts.
- European Country of Origin Information Network
- Eurasylum’s monthly interview.
- European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) Comments.
- European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee approves "asylum package".
- UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines on Iraqi Asylum-Seekers.
- Latest recommended shortage occupation lists published.
- Government statement following Commons vote on Gurkhas.
- Points-based system: youth mobility scheme: Japanese nationals.
- Museums, libraries and archives - supporting new communities and responding to migration trends.
Week of 20th-24th April 2009
- House of Commons Children, Schools and Families Committee - Third Report: Looked-after Children.
- No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) briefing - April 2009.
- A Positive Partnership: The HIV Immigration Project 2003-2009.
- Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre Publishes its 2nd Strategic Assessment Report on Child Trafficking.
- Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill - latest amendments.
- New guidance for Gurkhas wishing to settle in the United Kingdom.
- Supporting People service directories
- Adult Education 'Vital' for All Migrants - Migration, Communities and Lifelong Learningメ report.
- Projections of Migration Inflows Under Alternative Scenarios for the UK and World Economies.
- Migration: A long-run perspective.
- Citizenship Survey: April - December 2008, England.
- New forum and website on integration.
- European Parliament adopts a report on a Common Immigration Policy for Europe.
Week of 13th-17th April 2009
- Q&A leaflet from Asylum Support Events for voluntary sector organisations held by UK Border Agency.
- The Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Humans.
- Child trafficking into Britain accelerating, figures show.
- Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) report: "Immigration Detention Conditions at Heathrow”.
- New Asylum Model to be reviewed.
- One-off exercise on immigration billing announced.
- SMILE website launches.
- Employing Refugees Guide. Contact Marsela Hoxha at marsela.hoxha@refugeecouncil.org.uk for copies
- Enhanced returns package for refused asylum seekers from Zimbabwe.
- Keeping work restrictions for Eastern Europeans.
- Highly skilled migrant programme (HSMP) Forum Judicial Review - Judgement of 6 April 2009.
- Changes to the Certificate of Approval Scheme.
- UK Border Agency update on key immigration group issues of interest to stakeholders.
- Statistics Authority publishes an interim report on a review of migration statistics.
- Problems at work? What you need to know: dealing with problems at work Guidance for employees on how to resolve problems at work.
- Moving Europe: EU research on migration and policy needs
Week of 30th March-3rd April 2009
- Healthcare ruling from Court of Appeal
- Refugee Council policy statement in response to the UKBA publication Moving on Together: Government’s Recommitment to Supporting Refugees [March 2009].
- UK compliance with human trafficking convention.
- Refugee community newsletters.
- Developing indicators for the protection of the rights of the child in the EU report.
- Bail for Immigration Detainees briefings.
- East of England Regional Assembly Strategic Migration Partnership (EERA-SMP) Migrant Health Scoping Report.
- Reducing Rough Sleeping Among Central and Eastern Europeans in London: Report on the Action Plan.
- Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill : latest amendments.
- Implementation dates of new visa regimes for nationals of Bolivia, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland and Venezuela.
- Tough new rules to target bogus education cheats.
- New Immigration Rules and Tier 1 application forms published on 31 March 2009.
- Business visitor rules.
- UK Border Agency Gains Full Agency Status and Launches New Business Plan.
- Race Relations in Prisons: Responding to adult women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
- Border security agreement signed.
Week of 23rd -27th March 2009
- ICAR Statistics Paper 1 Key Statistics about Asylum Seeker Applications in the UK and ICAR Statistics Paper 2 Asylum Decision Making and Appeals Process.
- UK Border Agency releases its strategy on integration and resettlement.
- Children’s Commissioner for Wales Launches Study on Child Trafficking in Wales.
- Asylum Support Partnership Newsletter - March 2009.
- UNHCR issues educational toolkit on asylum and migration in Europe.
- Migrant worker availability in the East of England.
- Longitudinal study of migrant workers in the East of England: interim report.
- Specialist Cohesion Team Report - Cohesion and Migration in Breckland.
- Tier 4 (student) application forms for use after 31 March 2009.
- New immigration applicants to get identity cards for foreign nationals.
- Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) report: UK Border Security: Issues, systems and recent reforms.
- International Organisation for Migration (IOM) digest-spring 2009.
Week of 16th-20th March 2009
- “Underground Lives”: report on destitute asylum seekers
- Britain’s biggest immigration removal centre opens.
- Immigration centre plans go ahead.
- £3.7m for victims of human trafficking.
- Government announces ᆪ70m fund to support communities with migration. O
- Managing the impacts of migration: Improvements and innovations.
- Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) releases new reports on migration and the economy.
- Accession to Recession: A8 migration in Bristol & Hull.
- Migration Excellence Programme evaluation report.
- New rules for skilled and highly skilled migrant workers.
- Changes to tier 4 migrant guidance.
- Important changes to the Knowledge of Life requirement for settlement applications.
Week of 9th-13th March 2009
- Does Every Child Matter? Children Seeking Asylum in Britain
- New country reports from the UK Border Agency Country of Origin Information Service.
- Proposed new clauses in the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill.
- New Department of Health website for the integration of refugees
- Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers - briefing on destitution.
- Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees (ICAR) briefings .
- European Parliament adopts report on the future of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).
- London School of Economics interim report on irregular migrants.
- Changes to the points-based system.
- New arrangements for partners.
- Select Committee on the Constitution Seventh Report : Part 3 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill.
- Information Sheets on Maternity Rights for Migrants.
- European Parliament adopts report on external border management.
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Week of 2nd-6th March 2009
- UK Border Agency Case Resolution Directorate - letter on Zimbabwean asylum cases
- Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project - Update March 2009.
- HACT Reach In Housing Volunteer Project.
- UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights releases new Handbook for civil society.
- Worker Registration Scheme : local authority level data available.
- Student appointments made at a public enquiry office on or after 31 March.
- Public enquiry offices open their doors to more points-based system applications T
- Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) inquiry into the meat and poultry processing industry: call for evidence.
- EU-IMMINENT project for migrant entrepreneurs.
- Ethnic Minority Achievement Programme newsletter: Spring 2009 Issue
- New Communities and Local Government Department publication on race equality and community cohesion.
- Better school support needed for migrant children, say Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
- Rethinking migration.
Week of 23rd-27th February 2009
- The Vulnerable Women’s Project Good Practice Guide: Assisting Refugee and Asylum Seeking Women affected by Rape or Sexual Violence
- The Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA) new updates
- Immigration and asylum statistics released
The Control of Immigration: Quarterly Statistical Summary, UK,
- Population and Migration Statistics
- Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL] 2008-09.
- Select Committee on the Constitution - Fifth Report - Part 1 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill .
- UK Border Agency 10-point delivery plan.
- Important changes for South African visitors to the United Kingdom.
- Migrant workers face tougher test to work in the United Kingdom.
- Proposed fee levels for visas and sponsor licences in 2009/10
- Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) - The Economic Impacts of Migration on the UK Labour Market.
- Contract in place for a new national information portal for migrant workers.
- Mapping migration
Week of 16th to 20th February 2009
- No recourse to public funds (NRPF) network briefing February 2009.
- No Recourse to Public Funds: Financial Implications for Local Authorities.
- Royal College of GPs - Position Statement on Primary Care Access for Failed Asylum Seekers & Vulnerable Migrants.
- A Global Report on Trafficking in Persons launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
- UK Migration Controversies: A Simple Guide. T
- Homeless Link and the Advice on Individual Rights in Europe (AIRE) Centre - transitional arrangements.
- Homeless Link’s report on rough sleeping amongst Eastern and Central Europeans in London.
- Representatives of overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasting organizations.
- The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) updates. .
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Week of 9th-13th February 2009
- How to involve hard to reach children-guide
- What price does a refugee pay to reach Europe?
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) migrant worker employment statistics
- Proposed fee levels for visas and sponsor licences in 2009/10
- Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL] 2008-09
- Identity cards for foreign nationals to extend to further immigration categories
- New countries face tough visa rules
- Multilingualism brings communities closer together
- International Organisation for Migration (IOM) brief: The impact of the global financial crisis on migration
Week of 2nd-6th February 2009
- The Gateway Protection Programme: an evaluation
- The potential of migrant and refugee community organisations to influence policy
- Empowering Birmingham’s migrant and refugee community organisations: Joseph Rowntree Foundation report
- Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) warns the UK government not to resort to protecting jobs in this country for UK workers
- Increase in foreign workers over past three years
- Evaluation of Partners Outreach for Ethnic Minorities: Interim report
- Online survey of the impact of ESOL policy changes
Week of 26th-30th January 2009
- Report suggests many are left in detention centre limbo
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons annual report 2007-2008.
- The Newsletter of the Asylum Support Partnership (ASP)
- Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR). T
- European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) adopts report on detention centres .
- UK Border Agency presentation on sponsor licensing.
- Universities and colleges warned to sign up now to the new points system if they want to teach international students.
- Creating Spaces: Community development approaches to building stronger communities.
Week of 19th-23rd January 2009
- UK National Audit Office (NAO): Report on Management of Asylum Applications by the UK Border Agency.
- UKBA Response to the National Audit Office report on management of asylum applications
- The impact of the recession on migrant labour - LGA paper.
- Migrants and refugees among Council of Europe’s Commission for Human Rights - thematic priorities for 2009.
- Ethnicity and Family: relationships within and between ethnic groups - Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
Week of 12th-16th January 2009
- 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.
- New resource for integrating refugee children and young people:
- Consultation on revised statutory guidance for local authorities on children missing from home or care.
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) migrant worker website .
- Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill -first reading in the House of Lords
- Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill comments from the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr).
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Week of 5th-9th January 2009
- Keeping children safe from harm new UKBA code of practice
- IAS case in Court of Appeal extends power of judiciary against that of Home Office with regard to Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children
- 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
- New policy on judicial reviews that challenge removals
- Early successes of the new points system for foreign workers
- Universities and colleges sign up to new system for foreign students
- Sources of resentment, and perceptions of ethnic minorities among poor white people in England
- Cohesion Delivery Framework: Overview
- 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.