Migration news roundup week commencing 07 Sept 2026

This article shares the accounts of two men who were returned to France under the ‘one in, one out’ scheme and made the dangerous journey to the UK using a small boat for a second time. Meanwhile, the families of two men who died crossing the Channel in small boats are campaigning for the return of their bodies from the French authorities. More police officers are to be deployed on the French coast in order to prevent ‘mega dinghy’ Channel crossings. This article discusses people smugglers’ recent tendency to use larger vessels. (Sources: the Guardian, Belga English, BBC) 

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published a critical assessment of the government’s approach towards vulnerable people that seek asylum, citing failures to protect them and other migrants from destitution in line with UN recommendations. The full assessment can be seen here. (Source: EHRC)  

In light of media reports about small businesses - such as vape shops and takeaways - sponsoring skilled workers, this briefing outlines the skilled worker visa rules and looks at the the number of employers sponsoring retail managers and chefs. Recent increases in minimum salary thresholds have made it harder to sponsor overseas workers in certain roles. (Source: Migration Observatory) 

In news about asylum: 

• The Home Office released a summary of statistics on people seeking asylum in the UK noting that 95% of those arriving on small boats go on to claim asylum. Pakistani was most common nationality of people claiming asylum in the year up to June 2026, making up 10% of all claims. (Source: House of Commons Library) 
• North Yorkshire Council has been informed that a proposed asylum accommodation centre at RAF Linton-on-Ouse would operate for at least three years if approved. A final decision on the base's use is yet to be announced. (Source: BBC)  
• Reform-led Essex Council has announced plans to introduce private security guards in towns and cities close to MDP Wethersfield, in response to 'community concerns' about people seeking asylum that live there. The local police force responded by highlighting that the town centres identified have actually seen falling crime rates since the base opened three years ago. (Source: Byline Times)  
• A new report on Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre has described 'inhumane' conditions that are undermining people's human rights and dignity. (Source: BBC) 

People on skilled worker visas who are found to be victims of modern slavery are to be permitted to find work with any employer until their visa expires. Previously, individuals who left an exploitative sponsor employer had very limited options, as their visa tied them to employer sponsorship and they do not have access to public funds. (Source: the Guardian) 

News on international students includes: 

• As the UK and other English-speaking countries have made it more difficult for international students to study here, students are instead heading to Asia. (Source: Economic Times) 
• This article provides advice on how to support the wellbeing of international students effectively with themes such as seeking help. (Source: Icef monitor) 

A recent Guardian feature explores community discussions around plans to accommodate people seeking asylum at RAF Barnham, near Thetford, a site referenced in several recent reports. The article highlights the importance of community engagement, clear communication and positive local relationships in supporting cohesion during periods of change. (Source: the Guardian)  

This article explores the evidence on migration and crime, challenging common misconceptions and encouraging evidence-based discussions that support integration and community cohesion. (Source: UK in a Changing Europe) 

Following the crossing of roughly 70,000 migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, around 5,000 of whom remain in the city, thousands of people across Spain protested the government's handling of the ongoing humanitarian and security situation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected claims that Morocco orchestrated the border breach, instead arguing that criminal networks and online disinformation fuelled the crossings. (Sources: Al Jazeera, the Guardian)

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is cutting its budget by 16% and eliminating 3,500 jobs, citing a sharp drop in funding from the US. Experts warn that the resulting reduction in services could drive more people to take dangerous journeys, or become vulnerable to exploitation, with women and children particularly at risk. (Source: Info Migrants) 

A couple who had fled conflict in Kosova created a play centre in Grimsby over ten years ago, which has since become a thriving social space. (Source: Grimsby Live) 

 A retired trucker from Knaresborough is fundraising to continue supporting people in Ukraine. He is taking supplies to a care home in Volodymyr and raising funds for a group of bereaved children who will visit Yorkshire next year. (Source: Yorkshire Post)