Migration news roundup week commencing 30 March 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 Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has issued a call for evidence for an inquiry into the UK-France agreement on preventing dangerous journeys, closing on 7 April. (Source: ICIBI)  

Following the state visit of Nigeria's President to the UK, the Nigerian government will recognise alternative ID documents issued to people without a valid passport to assist the UK with removing Nigerian nationals. (Source: Home Office)  

This article explores the immigration raids on businesses by Home Office enforcement teams, questioning their practice and highlighting the distress they can cause. (Source: the Guardian)  

Specific migrant groups

On the national asylum system:  

• As a significant part of recent changes to Immigration Rules, health professionals such as nurses, doctors and dentists, who seek asylum and who've been here 12 months can now apply for permission to work. The change follows a legal challenge by specialist doctors waiting for asylum decisions. (Sources: NHS Employers, the Guardian)  

• Relatedly, the government is seeking insights on how the new Independent Appeals Body should operate effectively. This will be composed of professional adjudicators to determine asylum appeals in a single appeal. The call closes on 22 April. (Source: Home Office)  

 More locally, some articles highlight asylum stories relating to Leeds and Wakefield:  

• A Yorkshire media outlet reported on February's publication of immigration data highlighting the number of people in the asylum system who were housed in hotels in Leeds and Wakefield at the end of 2025. Similarly, the BBC Verify immigration data tracker has been updated. (Sources: Yorkshire Evening Post, BBC)  

• Leeds City Council has refused a Home Office application to change student accommodation into housing for people in the asylum system. The Home Office could yet submit a full planning application. (Source: BBC)  

 A new Ukrainian Education Hub to support displaced Ukrainians has opened in Leeds with the aim of providing advice on education, careers and culture and uniting British and Ukrainian people. (Source: BBC)  

On children and young people:  

• A new study will explore the educational journeys of children and young people who arrived in the UK unaccompanied to seek asylum, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges they face in further and higher education.  (Source: University of Exeter)  

• This practical guide explains how to support children with their asylum claims, focusing on identifying the right legal basis, gathering evidence, and ensuring the child’s best interests. (Source: Free movement)  

 On international students:  

• Six students from Sudan and Afghanistan who received offers from UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, launched a legal challenge against the Home Office's emergency visa ban on their countries, which prevents them from starting their courses. (Source: the Guardian)  

• The University of York has joined a growing list of UK universities planning to open new campuses in India. It is thought the move could boost revenues and encourage those impacted by tougher immigration rules. (Source: BBC)  

Windrush was at the top of the agenda during the UNISON’s annual Black members’ conference where speakers called for less complexity and more action in terms of legal support and compensation. (Source: Unison)  

In case you missed it, the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) completed their inspection into local authorities in England, including 15 in Yorkshire and Humber, concluding that all councils have appropriate measures in place to ensure the rights of eligible EU looked after children and care leavers. (Source: IMA)  

Cohesion and integration

British Future published a new toolkit to help institutions and organisations speak up for a more inclusive English identity. The toolkit contains new research on ethnic minority English identities, as well as guidance on how to make national events more inclusive. (Source: British Future)  

This report from Refugee Council highlights the benefits of the extended 56-day period to find accommodation and income, particularly in preventing refugee homelessness. (Source: Refugee Council)  

Following a recent arson attack on a Jewish charitable organisation, this article reflects on the history of how Golders Green in London became a home for the Jewish community, as well as previous challenges it has faced due to antisemitism. (Source: The Conversation)  

In case you missed it, a West Yorkshire college celebrated the completion of a training course for ESOL teachers, both new and experienced. (Source: Bradford College)  

International news

The European Parliament has voted to allow member states to establish migrant detention centres outside the EU. (Source: AP News)  

The Australian government has temporarily barred Iranian nationals holding valid tourist visas from entering the country. (Source: the Guardian)  

The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA warned that it could collapse due to funding shortages and ongoing political pressures. (Source: Reuters)   

Stories that inspired us this week

The Association of Romanians in Great Britain (ARGB) and Hope 4 Sheffield are collaborating with Sheffield City Council to establish a Romanian community centre to bring people together, support families, and increase the cultural link between the UK and Romania. (Source BBC)  

An exhibition event at the Liszt Institute in London is showcasing work from Roma artist Robert Czibi to mark International Roma Day on the 8th of April. (Source: Roma Support Group)  

A Women’s Centre in Northern Ireland is leading a project to document and preserve the stories of 100 migrant women who have made the area their home. Participants share their memories, cultural traditions, and experiences of leaving their home countries and adjusting to life in Northern Ireland. (Source: Heritage Fund)