Migration news roundup week commencing 05 October 2026

The unexpectedly sharp fall in net migration has contributed to slowing down population growth in the UK and could leave Chancellor John Healey with a budget shortfall of billions of pounds. Meanwhile, new research on the relationship between the UK and the EU has found that attitudes towards free movement are largely positive if there are obvious economic benefits.  (Sources: Independent, the Guardian, British Future) 

This briefing gives an overview of what migration data is available at local authority level, emphasising that this is much more limited than national level data. (Source: UK Parliament) 

The ‘one in, one out’ agreement with France formally ended on 1 October, with the UK government acknowledging that the scheme did not reach the scale initially hoped for, and France expressing a preference for a Europe-wide deal in its place. A recent inspection report about Tinsley House Immigration Removal Centre, where people awaiting removal to France are held, raised a number of concerns including delays in accessing legal advice, issues with the identification of children and modern slavery victims, and healthcare. (Sources: BBC, the Guardian, HM Inspectorate of Prisons) 

On Channel crossings: 

As migrant workers held a demonstration over unfair visa conditions outside the Labour party conference, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood hinted in her speech that she may reconsider aspects of the government’s earned settlement proposals. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner and Unison's Andrea Egan have been among the voices criticising plans to extend overseas care workers’ wait for settlement from 5 to 15 years. (Sources: Unison, the Guardian) 

Following changes to the Immigration Rules that came into place on 1 October, the government has updated its employer’s right to work checks guide. It means employers must now also conduct checks on third-party workers, such as individual subcontractors and they will face considerable civil penalties if they fail to do so. (Sources: UKVI, Free Movement)

Preston City Council has agreed to approach the government to take on the role of coordinating resettlement programmes, after Lancashire County Council announced it would step back. The County Council stated the shift would make sense as district authorities have responsibility over housing, a key part of the schemes. (Source: BBC) 

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner said ‘intimidatory’ far-right marches were not an acceptable form of protest and should not be permitted. Responding to the large-scale actions over the last month, she said that a line had been crossed when volunteers were attacked and local people were frightened. (Source: the Guardian) 

This article looks at the contribution of the Romanian community and how, despite being one of the most economically active European migrant groups in the UK and Ireland, they still face negative associations and prejudice. (Source: The Conversation) 

Malaysia has begun returning Myanmar nationals despite UN warnings that ongoing conflict and persecution mean conditions may be unsafe for return. (Source: the Guardian) 

The Australian government has committed to reducing net overseas migration, leaving some migrants concerned about their future in the country. This podcast episode explores the differing views among Australians on this increasingly polarising topic. (Source: the Guardian, 25 minutes)