Migration news roundup week commencing 13 October 2025
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
On Channel migration:
- Group removals to France under the UK-France migration deal have begun, with two flights carrying 19 individuals to France, bringing the total removals through this new scheme to 26 people. (Source: Home Office)
- This seven minute video offers some insight into the experiences of those attempting the cross-Channel journey using small boats to reach the UK, concluding ‘policies and politics are no match for desperation’. This detailed read situates the situation in northern France in the context of the former Calais ‘Jungle’. (Sources: ITV News, New Statesman)
- In case you missed it, this article examines Keir Starmer’s claim that Brexit is a factor behind higher arrivals (because the UK is no longer able to return people to the first EU country they entered). (Source: BBC)
John Tuckett has been appointed as the new Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI). This article provides some insight into the role and its remit. (Sources: Home Office, Free Movement)
Specific migrant groups
On refugees:
- The Prime Minister’s recent description of the family reunion and settlement rights accompanying refugee status as a ‘golden ticket’ has been criticised by charities who argue that government proposals to restrict refugee rights are not only unfair but, like previous policies, will be unsuccessful in stopping small boat crossings. (Source: the Guardian)
- In case you missed it, an evaluation of the UK's three Community Sponsorship Schemes calls for a standardised programme to ensure the same rights and entitlements for sponsored refugees as well as an expedited process for emergencies. (Source: University of Birmingham)
The media debate on asylum accommodation expanded to the volume of profits made by government sub-contractors and lucrative deals offered to private landlords of properties that can be used for shared housing. Relatedly, an investigation into unregistered houses of multiple occupation highlights unsafe living conditions many refugees and migrant workers endure. (Sources: BBC, The Negotiator)
Through stories of a foster carer and young people, this article highlights aspects of the system that affect the quality of support for unaccompanied children. In case you missed it in September, this report by Nottingham Trent University on the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking children offers recommendations across areas such as health, legal support, and education. (Sources: The Observer, East Midlands Councils)
Nursing leaders have expressed concern about future NHS staffing levels in light of government proposals to extend the wait to apply for indefinite leave to ten years, with similar warnings coming from the prison service and the London Mayor regarding transport staff due to the rise in minimum salary requirements. (Sources: the Guardian, Telegraph, BBC)
This article looks at the recent increase in the revocation of sponsor licences from employers and plans for change. (Source: Free Movement)
Cohesion and integration
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has faced criticism after saying he 'didn’t see another white face' while visiting the Handsworth area of Birmingham. In a speech in March, he cited the area as an example of a place that lacks integration. Among the many responses, the residents of Handsworth shared their own views on the community. (Sources: the Guardian, BBC)
A Welsh government committee has published a report on social cohesion. One of their recommendations is to develop a ‘HateLab’ dashboard to monitor misinformation. (Source: Welsh Parliament)
A report on Understanding Communities looks at the importance of local services and organisations, connections with other people, and community infrastructure capacity. It makes recommendations on how to strengthen community life. (Source: The British Academy and The Nuffield Foundation)
Research has found international food makes people more tolerant, partly due to increased contact with people from different cultures. (Source: Sage Open)
A guide on how to talk to children about refugees breaks down explanations by age levels, offering language appropriate summaries and resources. (Source: Save the Children)
A new poll on the British public’s attitude towards Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, contrasting with the US, finds the majority broadly back the principles of EDI, that it creates fairer work environments and that most would rather refine, than abandon, its principles. (Source: More in Common)
International news
Ten years ago Europe grappled with how to respond to people fleeing Syria; a series of five pieces reflect on the past decade in five places. This 'Reconsidering "Home"' report explores how Syrians in the Netherlands view returning to Syria, revealing that most see voluntary return as a long-term goal dependent on improved safety and support services. (Sources: InfoMigrants, IOM)
A critique gives details of the EU’s latest proposed deportation regulation describing it as weakening protections and safeguards for migrants, in a quest to accelerate deportation across member states. (Source: Statewatch)
Stories that inspired us this week
Check out ‘In Touch, with Nature’, a new exhibition at the University of Leeds created by women from a refugee background. The artworks highlight ‘the power of connecting with others, and the value of the different experiences and viewpoints that each of us brings.’ (Source: Yorkshire Evening Post)
In Lancaster, people from a refugee background have found a safe place at the local rowing club where they can learn how to row as well as find friendship and connection. (Source: British Rowing)