Migration news roundup week commencing 09 February 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
A public enquiry into the death of over 30 people who died attempting to cross the Channel in 2021 found that loss of life was avoidable and pointed to ‘systemic failings by HM Coastguard’, a lack of response from a nearby French warship, and the unsafe and overcrowded vessel itself. (Source: The Cranston Inquiry)
This article analyses statistics around small boat arrivals, policy responses and comparisons with other European countries. Last month saw the lowest number of January arrivals (933) since 2021, with stormy weather thought to be a factor. Meanwhile, six Border Force officials have appeared in court in relation to accusations of theft from new arrivals. (Source: BBC)
Following petitions against the proposal to increase the wait for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years for many, a Westminster Hall debate took place and included contributions from several Yorkshire and Humber MPs. Meanwhile, this article argues that the changes would disproportionately impact women, due to factors such as gender disparity in earnings and working patterns. The Home Secretary continues to defend the proposals. (Sources: UK Parliament, Free Movement, BBC)
A government policy change is now in place to prevent accommodation providers routinely ordering taxis for people seeking asylum to attend medical appointments. The Home Office can signoff exemptions for specific reasons. (Source: BBC)
The Immigration Advice Authority’s (IAA) annual report has been published, detailing organisation’s performance over the past year. Here you can read some thoughts and analysis, highlighting a slight fall in the number of advisers from 3,900 to 3,800. (Sources: IAA, Free Movement)
There’s a new briefing on the topic of being refused entry at the UK border, explaining the reasons this happens, individuals’ rights and actions they can take. (Source: Free Movement)
Almost 60,000 people have accepted voluntary return or been deported since the Labour government took power in 2024. (Source: the Guardian)
Specific migrant groups
A study into people seeking asylum from Albania concludes that negative stereotypes of criminality have helped the government to adopt an anti-Albanian agenda, constructing narratives of ‘deserving’ versus ‘underserving’ for different national groups. (Source: EIN)
Analysis of local authority social care budgets has revealed a doubling of spending on support for people seeking asylum since 2019/20, with the largest amount being spent on children’s asylum social care. (Source: TaxPayers’ Alliance)
Foreign nationals affected by the government’s proposed changes to long term settlement in the UK describe their feelings of devastation, stress and uncertainty. The ‘Earned Settlement’ public consultation is open until 12 February and it includes useful guides to help with a submission. (Sources: Independent, Praxis)
A review of the UK Modern Slavery Fund’s work over the past four years considers outcomes from 62 global projects it has supported. (Source: Home Office)
A number of employers previously stripped of their right to sponsor migrant workers due to breaches have been granted new licences. (Source: The Economic Times)
An online questionnaire has been created by Sheffield charity Causeway to help people identify if they are being exploited at work. (Source: Causeway)
Cohesion and integration
A thinktank has predicted that a significant drop in net migration would cause the UK economy to shrink by 3.6% by 2040, as a smaller and ageing population would lead to fewer tax revenues and increased government borrowing. (Source: the Guardian)
The latest poll from Ipsos finds that while immigration is still the lead topic amongst voters its place has dropped by five points, whereas concern around defence and national security has doubled. (Source: Ipsos)
A community organisation providing support to Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders published results of a survey into the impact of proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain on young people and families. It is calling on the government to introduce ‘fair transitional arrangements’, highlighting that the proposals and uncertainty have caused anxiety amongst young people and lead to increased conflicts at home. (Source: Hong Kong Well UK)
The people of Hull will be consulted on how to spend £20 million of Pride in Place community funding. This article interviews residents and business owners on where they think the money should be spent. (Source: BBC)
International news
At least 15 migrants have died following a collision with a Greek Coast Guard vessel near the island of Chios. Around 25 people were rescued, including children and two pregnant women. (Source: Reuters)
Denmark has unveiled legal reforms to make it easier to deport foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes. The reforms include tighter controls on undocumented migrants and a deportation mandate for non-EU convicted offenders. (Source: AP news)
Stories that inspired us this week
Combining the best of South Asian cuisine with traditional British neighbourhood pubs, 'Desi pubs' in the West Midlands are serving as important community hubs where, as one pub landlord explains, different communities mix creating social cohesion. (Source: the Guardian)
This video shows how football has brought together different members of the community in Barnsley, with a match taking place between local football fans and refugees, supported by the Refugee Council and Barnsley FC. (Source: ITV)
Ahmed shared how receiving support from Learn for Life, a digital inclusion hub in Sheffield has helped him to find community and navigate life in the UK since arriving from Afghanistan. (Source: Good Things Foundation)