Migration news roundup week commencing 06 October 2025

View of Houses of Parliament from bridge over river Thames

 

This Migration News Roundup presents a selection of news, policy, research and statistics from the previous week on migration-related topics. The contents of each story do not necessarily reflect the views of Migration Yorkshire.

UK borders and migration policy

At the Labour party conference, the Home Secretary announced that applicants for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) will be expected to be proficient in English and be able to prove their ‘contribution’ to the UK. The Prime Minister went further to say that the right to settle and bring family to the UK would no longer be an automatic right of people with refugee status. Meanwhile, Reform UK has proposed to abolish ILR altogether, including for those who already have that status. (Sources: BBC, Sky News)  

While the application of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in immigration appeals continues to be debated, the Prime Minister says he wants to review how the convention is interpreted by the courts in relation to such cases. (Sources: Sky News, BBC)  

Despite suggestions to the contrary, evidence shows that non-UK citizens are underrepresented in the prison population, if age and gender are taken into account. (Source: Migration Observatory)  

Four more people tragically lost their lives while attempting to cross the Channel. Recently, 125 people arrived on one dinghy, the highest number recorded to date on a single boat. (Sources: the Guardian, Independent)  

Briefings have been released examining government data related to migration:  

The government has published new analysis on many of its refugee integration projects, including the Refugee Employability programme, the Refugee Transitions Outcomes fund, and a broader analysis of resettlement schemes. (Source: UK Government)  

Specific migrant groups

While charities warn that protests may spread from hotels to privately rented houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), a documentary investigates the historical policy decisions which led to the current asylum accommodation dilemma - with a focus on the lived experience of people forced to live in hotels and HMOs. (Sources: the Guardian, BBC)  

A new briefing on people arriving from Afghanistan examines the various resettlement schemes which came to an end in July, as well as the irregular routes some Afghans take to claim asylum in the UK. (Source: Migration Observatory)   

Following extensive migrant labour exploitation in the social care sector, there are concerns that the inclusion of construction workers in the Temporary Shortage List will cause similar problems in the building industry, where there are already ‘significant indicators of risk’. (Source: Work Rights Centre)  

University College London has come under criticism after hundreds of international students were told their unconditional offer of a place could not be confirmed due to the university exceeding Home Office allocation numbers. Some students have been left facing deportation, despite spending a considerable amount of money on fees, travel and accommodation. (Source: the Guardian)    

A survey of EU citizens in the UK found that one in three feel discriminated against, with many experiencing problems when proving the right to work, travelling across borders and accessing public services in the UK. Worryingly, almost 40% of respondents had not applied for settled status for their children, believing this to be automatic. (Source: the Guardian)   

Cohesion and integration

A letter signed by over 100 charities and unions calls on the government to end the scapegoating of migrants and refocus on tackling social divisions. (Source: Refugee Action)  

A reflection on the tensions underlying anti-migration protests in the North-East of England takes a long term view of how factors such as unemployment, loss of sense of belonging and lack of political representation, have led to targeting of minorities and fuelled the rise of the far right. (Source: JRF)  

International news

Sudanese refugees fleeing civil war recount their harrowing journey, highlighting mass killings, forced recruitment, and ethnic targeting, particularly of Darfurians. (Source: the Guardian)  

Portugal has passed a controversial immigration law that tightens family reunification rules, restricts work visas to highly qualified individuals, and ends automatic residency for Brazilian nationals, with further measures expected to follow. Also in Europe, Italy has signed a new agreement with Christian organisations to bring 1,000 refugees from Lebanon over the next three years via humanitarian corridors. (Source: InfoMigrants)  

Stories that inspired us this week

In Leeds, the Church of England is trying to defuse tensions and foster understanding between pro and anti-migrant protesters with dialogue and a lot of cake! (Source: Substack)  

Also in Leeds, online resources have been created to celebrate diversity during Black History Month in schools to help foster a culture of respect amongst students. (Source: Leeds for Learning)  

Also in honour of Black History Month, the Football Association (FA) reflects on the history of Black footballers who are regarded as pioneers in the sport’s history in England. (Source: The FA)  

A refugee living in Southampton shares how the welcome and support she received from local people helped her and her daughter survive both physically and mentally. (Source: Daily Echo)

Contact us about research

If you have any questions about our research, contact us:
research@migrationyorkshire.org.uk
0113 378 8188