Migration news roundup week commencing 20 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

The latest changes to the Immigration Rules have been published; a summary is available here. Changes include a new requirement for people arriving on the skilled worker route to demonstrate A level standard English language, reduction in the time new graduates can stay in the UK from 2 years to 18 months, and Botswanan nationals now needing a visa to visit the UK. This parliamentary briefing outlines the proposals in the immigration white paper, some of which are implemented through these changes. (Sources: Home Office, Free Movement, UK Parliament)  

Following the closure of the health and care worker visa, the Scottish government has announced a fund to help overseas care workers in the UK without sponsored work to move to jobs in Scotland. (Source: Scottish Government)  

UK and French NGOs initiated a legal challenge in France against the ‘one in, one out’ scheme. Some of those returned to France under the scheme have written a statement highlighting their ‘extremely difficult and unsafe’ living conditions. (Source: the Guardian)  

British border security officers have been dispatched to the Balkans to work with border officials to tackle people smuggling and train personnel, who will be provided with UK drones and night vision goggles. (Source: Independent)   

Specific migrant groups

Advocates of a proposal to transfer the management of asylum accommodation from private companies to local authorities and housing associations say it could cut annual costs from £54,000 to £4,000 per person, as well as increasing the amount of social housing available for all. (Source: BBC)  

The family of Leonard Farruku who died on the Bibby Stockholm criticised the Home Office and the NHS after an inquest concluded there had been a ‘missed opportunity' by the Home office given the concerns that had been raised about his mental health. (Source: the Guardian)      

Two anti-migrant petitions have gained sufficient signatures to qualify for debate in the House of Commons. One petition relates to support received by people seeking asylum, and the other to closure of migrant hotels. (Source: UK Parliament)  

The National Care Association reports that migrant care workers are facing increased racial abuse and intimidation whilst carrying out their jobs. (Source: the Guardian)   

On modern slavery 

• Migrant Help has published resources translated into several languages on avoiding exploitation and accessing support. (Source: Migrant Help)   

• A new book on human trafficking of children and young people proposes that the latter should be considered through the lens of ‘child abuse’ rather than 'immigration’ or ‘criminal justice’. (Source: Bristol University Press)  

• This report evaluates methodologies for estimating the prevalence of modern slavery in the UK. (Source: Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner)  

Cohesion and integration

Mark Simms, interim chair at the Charity Commission, says that the increasing hostility towards charity sector staff working with refugees and people seeking asylum is worrying, and his organisation will support charities’ efforts to deliver their purposes while keeping everyone safe. Meanwhile, the UK’s professional legal bodies warned of the danger of political attacks against ‘immigration judges and lawyers’. (Sources: the Guardian, Electronic Immigration Network)  

The mayor of Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, considers scrapping English lessons for 'foreign nationals'. Instead, she proposes investing that budget in a scheme that ‘focuses on literacy and numeracy to upskill everyone’. (Source BBC)  

A new study from Kings College London examines the importance of ‘third spaces’ to foster community connection and a sense of belonging for people of refugee backgrounds. (Source: Kings College London)  

The Belong Network published a blog post highlighting how loneliness, disconnection and financial strain contributed to violent incidents and the spread of misinformation online, and how local cohesion initiatives could help. (Source: Belong)  

International news

Germany's Interior Minister proposes EU countries share deportation responsibilities, while Italy's Interior Minister intends to promote the idea of ‘regular migration channels’ by training migrants in their home countries. (Source: InfoMigrants) 

The number of first-time asylum applicants in the EU fell by 27% between July 2024 and July 2025, with Venezuelans being the largest group of people applying, and Germany, Spain, Italy and France receiving 73% of the applications. (Source: Eurostat)  

A UN report found that France is responsible for ‘grave and systematic violations’ of the rights of unaccompanied migrant children, with many left homeless in ‘degrading’ conditions. (Source: OHCRC)  

Stories that inspired us this week

Migrant-led supper clubs and community kitchens are using food as a tool to bring people from different backgrounds together. More specifically, in Sheffield, Open Kitchen Social Club hosts weekly community events for anyone experiencing ‘food or social poverty’. (Sources: Seraphus, OKSC)  

The North East Migration Partnership in collaboration with the Police and Crime Commissioners' offices have launched a ‘Migrant Myth Busters’ campaign to tackle disinformation and reduce community tensions. (Source: Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office)