Migration news roundup week commencing 29 June 2026

View of Houses of Parliament from bridge over river Thames

 

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

The ‘one in, one out’ agreement with France will end in October according to media reports, with France apparently moving towards a more European-wide approach to the issue. Under the scheme more than 900 people who arrived by small boat have been returned to France, and almost 900 individuals have been transferred from France to the UK. A change to the agreement was recently announced, allowing the removal of people who arrived in the UK by lorry, after having already been returned to France under the scheme. (Sources: Independent, the Guardian)

The Immigration and Asylum Bill is expected to go before parliament next week. It’s thought the legislation will limit the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to immigration and deportation cases, create a new independent appeals body, increase forced removals of those with failed asylum claims, make changes to age assessments, and introduce measures to prevent late modern slavery claims. It is anticipated that plans to double the wait for indefinite leave to remain from 5 to 10 years will be implemented through secondary legislation. Meanwhile, a charity has initiated legal action against the government in relation to the decision to reduce refugee leave from 5 to 2.5 years. (Sources: the Guardian, Independent) 

The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee has published the report of its inquiry into settlement, citizenship and integration. The report concludes that a lack of quality data means misinformation ‘flourishes’, hindering policy decisions. The report is critical of plans to increase the wait for indefinite leave to remain. Recommendations include measures to improve integration. Meanwhile, new analysis suggests as many as 2 million people could be affected by the earned settlement proposals. (Sources: UK Parliament, Work Rights Centre)

Analysis of the impact of migration on UK housing costs based on international studies concludes that ‘Immigration … appears unlikely to be a dominant driver of rising housing costs in the UK’. (Source: Migration Advisory Committee)

The UK is increasing funding for a scheme supporting people in north Africa who have fled regional conflicts. The programme includes employment and medical support, and cash assistance with essential items, aiming to prevent people making the journey to the UK. Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia were already recipients of support, with Libya newly included in the programme. (Source: Foreign Office)

 

Specific migrant groups

News broke about the government plan to open the former RAF base at Linton-on-Ouse on the outskirts of York as an asylum accommodation site. This is one of three sites across England that have been newly announced. Some readers will remember that the site was planned to be used a few years ago but didn't go ahead due to substantial local opposition. (Source: BBC)

The Children's Commissioner for England has criticised government proposals to cut support for families and care leavers with a refused asylum application and to implement the use of force on children during removals. The Commissioner argues the plans breach the Children Act 1989 and urges the Home Office to ensure children are not left without support or put at risk during the asylum process. (Source: Children's Commissioner)

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) has published her annual report, reviewing progress over the past year in relation to prevention, protection and prosecution. There is a strong focus on survivor engagement which the IASC has made a priority. The report includes an overview of policy developments, as well as summaries of IASC news, publications and parliamentary influence. (Source: IASC)

This Health Foundation briefing finds migrants are more likely to work in the NHS, use services less initially, and contribute more in taxes than they receive in care. However, the latest target to reduce international recruitment risks NHS workforce shortages. (Source: The Health Foundation)  

News on international students includes:

Scam marriages for the purpose of obtaining immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) were uncovered in Home Office raids, with five Albanian men charged with fraud and immigration offences. They are due to appear in Sheffield Crown Court in July. (Source: Crown Prosecution Service)

 

Cohesion and integration

This opinion piece argues that integration efforts and community cohesion risk failure without sustained ESOL funding. Demand for ESOL has risen by 17% since 2021, yet provision reaches only around 4% of eligible adults; meanwhile there are policy proposals to increase English language requirements for migrants. (Source: FE week) 

In case you missed it, the IPSOS World Refugee Day survey shows that public support amongst Britons for the concept of asylum remains high at 73%, however there is a lack of confidence in how the asylum system operates in practice. Fewer than half (41%) of respondents said that most refugees who come to Great Britain successfully integrate into society. The report highlighted a policy challenge to build trust in the asylum system while supporting integration and community cohesion. (Source: IPSOS)

 

International news

Discussions have taken place in Brussels between the EU and Taliban representatives on migration issues, including potential returns of Afghan nationals. (Source: the Guardian)

This article highlights how Egypt, which had the second highest number of asylum applications globally in 2025, is cracking down on Sudanese migrants, with a sharp increase in deportations and detentions and allegations of poor jail conditions. (Source: Reuters)

Authorities in Eastern Libya, a key departure point for migrants aiming to reach Europe, have announced entry restrictions for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. (Source: AP news)

 

Stories that inspired us this week

The Afghan women's cricket team, banned by the Taliban from officially representing the country, were publicly welcomed by King Charles in London ahead of their exhibition matches at the Women's T20 World Cup. The team hopes to inspire and encourage women in Afghanistan who are currently prohibited from playing sport. (Source: BBC News)

A series of artworks were displayed across the UK for Refugee Week, including in Sheffield where two students from an English conversation club were featured in their traditional dress. (Source: Counterpoints) 

 

Source URL: https://www.migrationyorkshire.org.uk/news/migration-news-roundup-week-commencing-29-june-2026