Migration news roundup week commencing 27 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 crossings:

• Small boat arrivals this year already exceed the 2024 total of just under 37,000 people. This is while UK Border Force patrol staff are set to strike over pay and resistance from the French coastguard to the proposal of intercepting boats once they are in the water. (Sources: Sky News, Metro, the Guardian)
• A total of 42 people have been returned to France under the ‘one in, one out’ scheme to date. One of the people removed to France has returned to the UK on a small boat, stating he is a modern slavery victim of people smugglers in France. He’s being held in an immigration detention facility. (Sources: Home Office, the Guardian)
• Relatedly, a research report explores how the UK government has responded to the issue of small boat Channel crossings and the impact of these policies. The authors consider several alternatives to current approaches. (Source: Universities of Liverpool, York, Sheffield and Nottingham)

In the week the UK hosted leaders from the western Balkans, discussions were taking place about Kosovo providing a ‘return hub’ to accommodate people whose asylum claims have been refused, prior to being returned to their countries of origin. Meanwhile, Balkan-based gangs with links to smuggling have been sanctioned. (Sources: the Guardian, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

In other news:

• Proposed new powers will enable the Immigration Advice Authority to recover profits from people providing unlawful immigration advice. (Source: Home Office)
• There’s a new report on migration and gender in the UK. (Source: Migration Observatory)
• An internal report commissioned by the previous government is reportedly critical of Home Office performance, highlighting a ‘culture of defeatism’ in relation to immigration. (Source: BBC)
• In case you missed it, after the party conference season this article summarises the major political parties’ current positions on migration issues. (Source: Institute for Government)

Specific migrant groups

On the asylum system:

• A parliamentary debate on asylum support and housing prompted by petitions emphasised the statutory obligations of government to prevent destitution. (Source: TheyWorkForYou) 
• Clearsprings, Serco, and Mears continue to attract criticism over accommodation conditions whilst making a combined £380 million profit from government contracts. (Source: The New Arab)
• The government has extended the engagement deadline for the next Provision of Asylum Support and Accommodation Services contract due to commence in 2029. Suppliers have until 28 November to express an interest. (Source: Home Office)

A House of Lords committee has expressed concerns about the government’s policy-making process in relation to suspending the refugee family reunion route, criticising the lack of information about the impact of the change, and calling for better supporting evidence. Following the pause on this pathway, research demonstrates the psychological distress caused when refugees can't be joined by their family members as well as additional challenges this brings to integration. (Sources: UK Parliament, Helen Bamber Foundation)

An article on housing in Liverpool highlights the ‘rapid pipeline to living on the streets’ many refugees face after being awarded their status. A medical student and campaigner Isra Sulevani, who experienced homelessness as a child refugee, describes her experience. (Source: the Guardian)

A UN Committee reports that flaws in France’s age determination system for unaccompanied children lead to systematic rights violations. Similarly, this article highlights how inaccurate age assessments can severely impact those affected. (Source: UN Press Release, Free Movement)

The No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Network annual report calls on government to clarify local authority responsibilities to alleviate migrant destitution in statutory guidance. Its Yorkshire and Humber publication shows councils in Yorkshire and Humber that are part of the network (Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds and Sheffield) spent £4 million on supporting NRPF households in the last financial year. (Source: NRPF network)

The Home Affairs Committee launched a new inquiry into eligibility criteria for settlement, inviting submissions until 2 December. Relatedly, Hongkongers who arrived on the BN(O) visa route are expressing their upset over the changes to the indefinite leave to remain process proposed by the White Paper. They worry about further delays in accessing Hong Kong pensions and access to university for their children. (Sources: UK Parliament, Financial Times)

Cohesion and integration

Migration Yorkshire has published the results of its 2025 poll on what the people of Yorkshire and the Humber think about migration. The poll surveyed over 2,500 adults to discover attitudes on a range of issues relating to migration. Relatedly, a British Red Cross survey reveals many UK adults believe acts of kindness and community support contribute to building optimism for a better future, despite increasing global concerns. (Sources: Migration Yorkshire, Cambridge News)

This blogpost describes research into how cricket clubs have been supporting young Afghans to settle in Scotland and explores the wider role of communal sports activities in helping refugees become part of local communities and the tangible benefits to the locality. (Source: Queen Margaret University)

International news

Thailand plans to grant permission to eligible Myanmar refugees living in nine border camps to legally work in the country. The move aims to address labour shortages and the impact of declining foreign aid. Meanwhile, Afghan refugees in Pakistan face heightened uncertainty as the Pakistan government accelerates its deportation campaign in specific districts. (Sources: the Guardian, Dawn)

In the US, the Trump administration is looking to limit refugee admissions at 7,500 people (compared to 125,000 previously) with nearly all places expected to go to white South Africans. The US also entered into a ‘safe third country’ agreement with Belize, allowing for the removal of asylum seekers from the US. (Sources: Independent, Al Jazeera)

Stories that inspired us this week

Bradford is celebrating its fifth year of the Intercultured Festival. The programme includes films, poetry, food and music, designed to bring together people from all different backgrounds; you can check out the lineup of events. (Sources: BBC, Intercultured Festival)

After the tragic passing of a young volunteer for the group Asylum Welcome, co-workers honoured his memory by assembling a team to run the Oxford Half Marathan, raising £5,000 towards supporting asylum seekers. (Source: Oxford Mail)