Migration news roundup week commencing 5 May 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
The government’s earned settlement proposals continue to face criticism:
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A new briefing calls the plans ‘unprecedented’ compared to previous UK policy, and significantly more restrictive than those of comparative nations. (Source: electronic immigration network)
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Almost 150 organisations working with children and young people have written to the Prime Minister to voice their opposition to recent migration policies, which they describe as a ‘sustained attack on children’s rights’. The letter states that earned settlement proposals risk trapping children in prolonged poverty, as well as condemning the new ‘use of force’ plans - which could lead to children being handcuffed or physically handled on to removal flights. (Source: Asylum Matters)
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A protester who was recently sworn at by the Home Secretary has also raised concerns about the effect of immigration rule changes on children, having himself migrated to the UK as a small child. (Source: the Guardian)
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A survey of over 10,000 migrant workers in the UK found that over 90% were considering leaving the UK if the earned settlement policy is implemented. (Source: Visa Guru)
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Migrant social care workers describe how new immigration proposals will make them more economically and socially insecure, suggesting they are particularly unfair in targeting those who arrived to support the care recruitment crisis. The article also highlights expert challenges to the government’s claim that changes will save £10 billion. (Source: the Guardian)
There has been a high court challenge to the government’s ‘one in, one out’ deal with France by six individuals who claim they are victims of human trafficking. They argue that changes to modern slavery guidance breach human rights laws. Meanwhile, less than a week after a new border patrol deal was announced with the French government, over a hundred people were rescued from the Channel by the French coastguard when their boat broke down. (Source: Independent)
The government has issued a written statement to update progress on the Afghan Resettlement Scheme. (Source: UK Parliament)
There has been an update to country policy on Iran and also for Iraq, with many of the changes in the latter relating to enforced removal of individuals to the Kurdistan region. (Sources: UK Visas and Immigration, Freemovement)
A journalist who witnessed a failed deportation attempt on a flight to Jamaica questions the use of commercial passenger airlines to carry out such removals. (Source: the Guardian)
Specific migrant groups
Following a BBC investigation, Home Office minister Jess Phillips has told the Home Affairs committee that while false claims of domestic abuse have become more common, she had seen thousands more cases to be ‘completely and utterly legitimate’. (Source: BBC)
A new legal briefing draws together recent changes to the EUSS process, including how cancellations of pre-settled status will work. (Source: Freemovement)
The government has produced a new video on how to apply for a student visa. (Source: UK Visas and Immigration)
While the Home Office may use its discretion to lift the ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition for students and skilled workers, this article explains why so few applications have been successful. (Source: Freemovement)
Publications about modern slavery include:
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A coalition of anti-slavery organisations has published a ‘Strategic Vision for Eradicating Modern Slavery in the UK’. The authors are critical of the UK’s current response and focus on four priority areas: legislation, criminal networks, the support system for survivors, and child exploitation. (Source: Justice and Care)
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Research into how anti-slavery communications influence an audience describes different ways of framing this topic, concluding that emphasis upon civic moral values is most used and likely to be most effective. (Source: University of Glasgow)
Cohesion and integration
New official population projections forecast that future UK population growth will be solely driven by immigration although at a lower rate than previously expected due to falls in net migration, estimating this to average at 230,000 annually. An analysis of falling immigration levels, including a 30% drop in small boat crossings this year, notes that net migration is already lower than government estimates and is likely to fall further. (Sources: Office for National Statistics, The New World)
Glasgow’s longstanding housing shortage alongside increased refugee numbers comes under analysis, and people seeking asylum in Manchester release their own vision of suitable accommodation for those awaiting a decision on their claim. (Sources: BBC, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit)
International news
In Italy, an EU court adviser ruled that Italy’s plan to process migrants in Albania is compatible with EU law in principle, subject to safeguarding procedures. (Source: Reuters)
Also in Italy, a policy offering financial incentives to lawyers who assist in migrant repatriation has been amended to expand eligibility to other professionals involved in the process. (Source: Reuters)
Stories that inspired us this week
Ukrainians who have resettled in Suffolk took part in ‘Hope Against Hope’, a cultural event bringing the community together to celebrate Ukrainian music and share personal stories. (Source: East Anglian Daily Times)
The University of Bath will host a photography exhibition in May, showcasing refugee students’ personal reflections on ‘home’, exploring themes of belonging, memory and resilience. The exhibition highlights lived experiences of displacement and the university’s commitment to providing sanctuary through creativity and community. (Source: University of Bath)
Afghan Women United, a refugee-based team formed after the Taliban banned women’s football, has been approved to represent Afghanistan in official competitions by FIFA. This follows years of campaigning by players seeking recognition, funding and the right to compete internationally. (Source: the Guardian)