Migration news roundup week commencing 22 June 2026

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
• Specific migrant groups
• Cohesion and integration
• International news

• Stories that inspired us this week

   

UK borders and migration policy

After a fortnight with no Channel crossings in small boats due to the weather, over 700 people arrived this week on a single day. This is the highest single number recorded in 2026, though the overall figures for 2026 are lower than this time last year. (Source: BBC) 

10 years on from the Brexit referendum, this essay charts changing patterns of migration to the UK and the relationship to government policy. (Source: Migration Observatory) 

An annual independent report into Immigration Removal Centres revealed 60% of women held at a women-only detention facility were later released back into the community. One charity stated this backs their view that detention is ‘pointless’ as well as costly and harmful. (Source: BBC)  

Specific migrant groups

In asylum news:  

• This Q&A outlines the process for claiming asylum in the UK. It includes a helpful flowchart and up to date information on the new Core Protection route for those receiving decisions from 2 March. (Source: Migration Observatory) 
• Three more men have been convicted of violent disorder during protests outside The Bell Hotel, Epping, last year. Relatedly, the Home Office confirmed it's terminated the contract with The Bell Hotel. (Sources: BBC, the Guardian)  

On children and young people:  

• New guidance for those working with age disputed people in Home Office asylum accommodation includes the Standard Operating Procedure which details the information-sharing process to be followed when a person’s age is disputed. (Source: Home Office) 
• An investigation has raised concerns regarding Facial Age Estimation AI technology that the Home Office plans to roll out to estimate the age of young people seeking asylum. It claims data shows high margins of error for young people aged 16 to 18, teenage girls, and racial bias. This article says government was aware of similar concerns a year ago in a civil service report. (Sources: Lighthouse Reports, Independent) 

On refugee resettlement an explainer has been published on the UK Community Sponsorship process. (Source: International Rescue Committee) 

During Pride month an autistic, trans person from Ukraine now living in Sheffield describes how anti-immigration rhetoric impacts the mental health of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. (Source: Big Issue) 

The Home Office responded to an inquiry into decision-making delays on EU Settlement Scheme applications that focused on applicants with criminal records. The Home Office partially accepted the recommendations. (Source: Home Office) 

Following the recent story regarding students losing tuition fee deposits if refused a UK study visa, there are reports of agents in Nigeria being targeted by police or private security agents. It is understood they’re being forced to refund costs to students, who believe the agents are withholding the deposits rather than UK universities. (Source: The PIE)

Cohesion and integration

A decade on from the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, this article asks what happened to the call for a ‘kinder, gentler politics’ after her death. The article features reflections on rising populism, community division and the factors that led to them. (Source: the Guardian) 

In Refugee Week, this article highlighted the importance of the UK being a safe and welcoming place for refugees and how individuals can help. (Source: Independent) 

On employment, two charities are collaborating to support refugee women into work. Meanwhile, this short news clip focuses on how a Ukrainian family resettled to Somerset benefited from targeted employment support from a social enterprise, with a call for businesses to give ‘work, not aid’. (Sources: Women for Refugee Women, ITV – three minutes) 

In the week of the Makerfield by-election this local article explores data and policy on housing in Wigan, noting that migration from within the UK is greater than overseas migration there. Meanwhile, this article shines a light on organisations working to end refugee homelessness. (Sources: Manchester Evening News, Homeless Link) 

International news

This article explores Kenya’s ‘Shirika Plan’, a largescale shift from the country’s long‑standing refugee camp model to a government-led model centred on inclusion in the local economy. (Source: the Conversation) 

An international charity confirmed members of its staff had exploited refugees in Chad who fled the war in Sudan, including young girls. (Source: Al Jazeera) 

This magazine article spotlights the abuse experienced by women and girls in migrant camps at the hands of smugglers in France. (Source: Grazia) 

Several international stories focus on restrictive immigration policy development. After decades of pro‑immigration consensus, Canada’s reported to be shifting towards more restrictive migrant and refugee policies, described as ‘closing the doors’. French riot police were authorised to use measures including water cannon against asylum seekers. Sweden approved laws to tighten immigration allowing residency permits to be revoked for ‘bad behaviour’ and requiring public workers to report suspected undocumented migrants. (Sources: Al Jazeera, the Guardian) 

Swiss voters rejected a right‑wing proposal to cap the population at 10 million, prioritising economic stability and ties with the EU over concerns about immigration. (Source: Al Jazeera) 

Stories that inspired us this week

As part of Refugee Week, ‘Project Unitea’, a gardening project that includes growing tea plants, has launched in Devon. Designed and built by refugees and those seeking asylum, the project aims to bring people together to support integration. (Source: BBC) 

In the North West, ‘Hope United’, a community football team, has brought players from diverse migrant backgrounds together, using sport to build confidence and reduce isolation. (Source: St Helens Star)  

At the start of the World Cup 2026, this article focuses on ‘refugee stars’ playing at this year’s competition as part of a UNHCR campaign. (Source: BBC)