Information leaflets for refugees and asylum seekers - Incl updated leaflets on how to apply for additional Section 4 vouchers for travel and childcare now available for download from the multilingual site - in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani, Tamil, Turkish Urdu, Vietnamese and others - incl English

The Pauline Ortiz Memorial Fund is offering a number of fee waivers to qualified asylum-seeker or refugee students on the Univerity of East London MA course in Refugee Studies (Application deadline: 30th June 2005)

See also, just published- Jan 2007: IAS-HJT Research Report on Iraq: "Is Iraq in the grip of an "internal armed conflict" within the meaning of Article 15 of the Refugee Qualification Directive?

EU: "SAFE COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN": (Draft) "Minimum common list of safe countries of origin"
(On the 'Statewatch' website)

"The system denies fair play to asylum seekers not out of malice but because of a lack of resources." Sir John Waite, co-chairman of the commission and a former Appeal Court judge, said this particular issue was a "blemish" on the UK's reputation. (BBC News)

"'Inhumane and oppressive': the final verdict on Britain's asylum policy" (Emily Dugan in The Independent, 27/03/08)
"Three areas of the system came under particular fire. The use of detention centres – especially to lock up children, pregnant women and torture victims – was condemned, as was the often brutal handling of removals, and the use of destitution as a tool to drive claimants out of the country."

Link to the full report: "FIT FOR PURPOSE YET?" - The Independent Asylum Commission’s Interim Findings - In association with the 'CITIZEN Organising Foundation': "The Commission has found that the UK asylum system is improved and improving, but is not yet fit for purpose. The system still denies sanctuary to some who genuinely need it and ought to be entitled to it; is not firm enough in returning those whose claims are refused; and is marred by inhumanity in its treatment of the vulnerable."

Further publications due in May, June and July, incl recommendations.

Refugee Council response to Joseph Rowntree inquiry into asylum seeker destitution

"“We hope this balanced and reasonable report, from an independent inquiry, will finally convince the government that its policy towards refused asylum seekers has failed and that urgent reform is needed." (Anna Reisenberger, acting Chief Executive of the Refugee Council)

(16/06/09) "....The New Asylum Model has resulted in the Department reaching an initial decision more quickly and in cases being concluded faster than in 2006. We also have the Department’s firm assurance that the legacy cases will be cleared by 2011...."

Link to 'www.publications.parliament.uk'

Open consultation & regional events, on asylum, launched by the 'Independent Asylum Commission' - 'giving ordinary people a say on sanctuary in the UK'

"How should we treat people who come to the UK and claim sanctuary from persecution?" Responses invited. See CITIZENS SPEAK

New RWRP guidance on women’s gender related asylum claims - aimed at legal representatives, COI researchers, Information professionals and volunteers involved with supporting women asylum seekers. (Free download - from the new Asylumaid website, Nov 2007)
See also 'WOMENs ASYLUM NEWS' latest issue, Nov/Dec 2007, highlighting FGM in Kenya, women in Yarls Wood Detention Centre and the Asylumaid 'Asylum Rights Watch Survey'

Refugee Council response to appeal court ruling on charging asylum seekers for hospital treatment

(30th March 2009) "......we remain concerned that a charging regime for refused asylum seekers still exists at all....We urge [Government] to reconsider the rules in light of the judgment and all the other evidence of the inhumanity of the charging regime and let asylum seekers access treatment at least until they are able to go home.”

Sign up for the Refugee Council Newsletter

Also in the Refugee Council March Newsletter:

Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID) briefings - on the detained fast track procedure, children in detention and access to immigration bail.

See also details of the City of Sanctuary national conference - Sheffield - June 3rd 2009

No win, no fee? House of Commons Constitutional Affairs Committee report on proposed changes to Legal Aid (The full report on Parliament website)

Link to The Community Legal Service (Asylum and Immigration Appeals) Regulations 2005 (wef 4th April 2005)

'Torturecare.org.uk': The Medical Foundation provides care and rehabilitation to survivors of torture and other forms of organised violence.

Link to: free subscription to Medical Foundation Newsletter and to Publications (full copies of which are available for just £3)

Sheffield, Wednesday 3rd June, 11am to 4.30 pm

This conference is a chance to find out how local City of Sanctuary groups are building support for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Explore how your town or city can build a City of Sanctuary initiative, with support from the national City of Sanctuary network, the Refugee Council and Refugee Action. The day will also include training workshops, delivered by the Refugee Council and City of Sanctuary, including: using the media, fundraising, refugee resettlement and setting up a local City of Sanctuary initiative.

This day conference is free, but places are limited so advance booking is essential.

To register or for further information please contact: craig@cityofsanctuary.org
[10 towns and cities in the UK are now working towards recognised ‘City of Sanctuary' status. People from towns and cities which don't currently have City of Sanctuary initiatives are especially encouraged to attaned .Please help by forwarding this information to your contacts in other areas.]

Asylum Aid/RWRP, 'Womens Asylum News', June/July 2008: "...Asylum Aid believes that the UK Border Agency should learn the lessons from the criminal justice system and respond to women’s [asylum] cases to a similar standard...The overall aim of the Charter is to remove the barriers women face so that they can have their asylum claims heard fairly and gain the protection they need...."

Breakfast Seminar with Asylum Aid and Poppy Project to launch new research: ‘Good Intentions: A Review of the New Asylum Model and its Impact on Trafficked Women Claiming Asylum’ - (at Amnesty International, UK Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn yard, London EC2)

NB. The date of the launch seminar is now THURSDAY JULY 24th ( 9.30 - 11am)

For further information, to register for the launch seminar or request a copy of the report, please contact: sarah.mills@eaveshousing.co.uk

Refugee Council publications - for purchase online - e.g. resources, incl bi-lingual books for primary schools & 'service providers' (July 2007)

See also, free, multi-lingual leaflets for refugees and asylum seekers - in 20 languages - and also 'Advisers Section' for download under subject headings

ASAP ( Asylum Support Appeals Project) launch of Womens Project to protect and promote women’s legal rights to food and shelter and to influence asylum support policy on womens issues; See the May 08 Issue of the Asylum Aid/RWRP 'Womens Asylum News'

To receive the RWRP News, email: womenasylumnews@asylumaid.org.uk

How we help: detailing the help and support for refugees and asylum seekers.

Multilingual microsite: client information leaflets in 20 languages

Policy and research: policy position papers, responses and briefings and an 'A to Z of policy issues'

Refugee Council response to proposed changes to the IND in the consultation review: "Fair, effective, transparent and trusted: Rebuilding confidence in our immigration system" [August 2006]

Practice: practical guides and information leaflets, incl a basic guide to asylum and details on our information and teaching resources, and more....

See ATLeP on the EIN

On 'Child Trafficking' and other resources for working with refugee and asylum-seeking children, see the 'childrenslegalcentre' (based at the University of Essex)

Blog pages on the Refugee Council website,for Refugee Week; your responses invited.

The need to defend and celebrate multiculturalism; by Jon Cruddas, MP for Dagenham in East London and a candidate for the Deputy Leadership of the Labour Party; "... It was refugees who introduced fish and chips to the UK; a refugee who designed the Mini; it was even a refugee who set up Marks and Spencer......let’s promote Refugee Week as a valuable ‘space of encounters‘ and celebrate the refugees who were lucky enough to make it here."

My story...; by Sehlile Mpofu " ...This is refugee week, let us put our differences aside and learn from each other...This week let us remember the victims of all types of torture and persecution and their helpers and how we can be of help.."

"Amnesty for all." by Sibanda Noble; "...the swear words 'Amnesty for all'. Yes, I have said it!...One backlog we can identify is the so-called legacy cases (now known as ‘case resolutions).An amnesty for all failed asylum seekers and illegal immigrants that offers between two to five year temporary and renewable work permits...."

Fame Asylum - a good idea or not? by Richard DeDomenici; the creation of a 'boy-band' of asylum-seekers...led to a barrage of responses..."saying that either the programme made them cry, and re-evaluate their attitude to asylum seekers, or that it was cruel and exploitative, and I should be shot...."

Link to the full UNHCR Report: Asylum Levels and Trends in Industrialized Countries 2007

UK Refugee Week Events (19th-25th June 2006)
Link to Refugee Council website for events diary

Professor James Hathaway is now Dean and William Hearn Chair of Law at the Melbourne Law School and formerly Professor of Law and Director of the Program in Refugee and Asylum Law at the University of Michigan Law School and Associate Dean of the Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto)

To register bookings, plse contact : christina.josephides@googlemail.com
(Profits to the Inderpal Memorial Trust)

LINK TO CONFERENCE FLYER

See also: "Law Centres calls on Government for a new funding settlement"
John Fitzpatrick, Chair of the LAW CENTRES FEDERATION (LCF) : " this campaign is saying that people [who need our services] above all deserve our commitment to the fight for the services that they need,”

Refugee Council campaign - and new report on alternatives (Aug 2006)

See also the NCB (National Childrens Bureau) ARC website for the 'Asylum Seeking and Refugee Children: Developing Good Practice Project' - for practioners and managers working with separated or unaccompanied refugee children and young people

Links to: The 'Asylum Aid - RWRP Gender Guidance Campaign

The RWRP Report - Exec Summary: ‘Lip service’ or implementation? The Home Office Gender Guidance and women’s asylum claims in the UK

and link to the Full Report

SEE THE PETITION on the 'GurkhaJustice' website

...demanding legal reform to allow all retired Gurkhas the right to live in the UK - following High Court judgment in Gurkha immigration test case.

For news reports, see; "Gurkhas win right to stay in UK" (BBC News)

Following the judgment, Joanna Lumley, an advocat for the campaign, emphasised that the "fight is not over yet ...[...]...there is now a chance to right a great wrong" (See: Joanna Lumley in "Gurkhas revel in legal victory" - BBC Audio/Video)

Other news/media features: "Her passion for the Gurkhas' cause has been tireless, it has known no bounds. She is a true honour to her father" (Maev Kennedy, on Joanna Lumley, Guardian, 3/10/08)

"Gurkhas celebrate court win for right to settle in Britain" (Philippe Naughton, Times Online, 30/09/08)

"Modest Gurkhas relive heroic deeds done on behalf of Britain (The Independent, 4/10/08)

Private Members Bills before both Houses of Parliament:

Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) Bill [HL] 2007-08 (Commenced in House of Lords)

Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) (No. 2) Bill (House of Commons)

Photography exhibition at St Paul's Cathedral, London - on human trafficking to the UK - produced by Panos Pictures in partnership with Amnesty International, Anti-Slavery International, Eaves and UNICEF UK.

The exhibition runs to 29 March 2007, 8.30am – 4pm: exhibition itself is free - entry charge of £9.50 to the Cathedral (concessions £8.50)

Link to: 'slavebritain.org.uk' for a selection of photos.

"They Are Children Too: a study of Europe's deportation policies" - by Liz Fekete, European Race Audit, Insitute of Race Relations (IRR) - issue nos. 58 and 59 of the IRR European Race Bulletin. 76 pages, ISBN 0 85001 0675: To order your copy @£10, see IRR )

"....because of their vulnerable immigration status." (The 'no recourse to public funds' rule)....Other states such as Denmark, Austria, the United States and Canada all have a similar rule, but they have built in exceptions, amendments and appropriate long-term sustainable resourcing to ensure that women are not trapped in violence."

Link to the full 'No Recourse Report' (Amnesty & Southall Black Sisters, March 2008)

Link to the DCA 'Guide to the Human Rights Act - 3rd Edition'

Reid launches 'get tough' justice package (Guardian): ".... the government would continue to fight ...[the]..Chahal case ruling which prevented them deporting foreign terror suspects".
"Reid reveals Home Office shake-up" and "Asylum backlog cleared 'by 2011" (BBC News)
Immigration groups backing revamp (IND to become semi-independent executive agency)

"Liberty welcomes Home Secretary Reid’s promise to fight misrepresentation of Human Rights Act" (liberty-human-rights.org.uk)

'myth-busting' the Human Rights Act (link to the Liberty site)

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights - Call for evidence on Draft Legislative programme - incl the Citizenship, Immigration and Borders Bill - to "replace all existing immigration legislation with a simplified, clear and coherent legal framework to control our borders, manage migration and reform the path to citizenship".

Submissions by 31 October 2008 to be sent to: Dr Mark Egan, Commons Clerk, JCHR, Committee Office, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA

(BBC News) "New laws against forced marriages" (in England, Wales & N. Ireland); "...anyone convicted of trying to force someone into marriage could be jailed for up to two years..A victim, friend or police can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order."

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: "This new law is a powerful tool that will help ensure that no-one is forced into marriage against their will and those already in such marriages will receive protection."

Links to legislation

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 (Commencement No.1, wef 25 Nov 08)

Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007

(17/12/08) ... setting minimum standards for protecting and supporting trafficking victims - incl the "possibility of a one year residence permit" .A new National Referral Mechanism will help frontline staff identify victims and there will be "better support for victims in giving information to police....The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) will undertake training of new police officers, and the UK Border Agency will begin a programme of awareness-raising for staff to prepare for the start of the new measures next year."

Link to the CONVENTION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

[Link to Council of Europe - CoE - Friday March 23rd 2007] "To mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, the United Kingdom will sign the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings ......The treaty will enter into force when it has been ratified by the parliaments of 10 of the Council's 46 member states. So far there have been 34 signatures, followed by 5 ratifications."

UK Gov publishes 'Action Plan' .....to end the scourge of human trafficking..and to help the victims"

Link to the full document: UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking

Link to the full report - submitted to UNCRC Geneva, 11 June 2008:

"...Across the UK, children seeking asylum experience serious breaches of their rights. The Commissioners do not agree that the reservation to Article 22 of the UNCRC is necessary for effective immigration control and therefore welcome the Government’s intention to review it. The child's best interests are not a primary consideration in immigration decisions. Immigration control takes priority over human rights obligations to children seeking asylum and their families...." (para 152)

Link to the England Commissioner's website: www.11million.org.uk/

"Three million people a year migrate from developing countries to industrialised nations.. The US ....attracts 1 million immigrants a year, more than any other country... 1.4 million people moved to Europe, though the continent was still facing unprecedented population losses from low birth rates." (Guardian Unlimited reporting on the 2006 'World Population Data Sheets' published by the Washington based 'Population Reference Bureau') ;

"Migration is really going to be necessary if you are ever going to maintain a normal population level in Europe." (Hans-Peter Kohler,Associate Professor of Sociology University of Pennsylvania )

EU Commission makes distinction between support for 'asylum facilities' and plans for 'reception centres' in North Africa
[News item on 'euobserver.com']

David Gow in the 'GuardianUnlimited', headed: "EU to allow states to send prisoners to jail in home country": "The deal agreed by EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers means that ...nations will be able to transfer convicted criminals without their consent" (Feb 16 2007)

Link to EU Council Press Release on EUROPA.eu)

Civil Society in an Enlarged Union
Citizens Rights
Citizenship & Governance

"ECAS supports the Commission's recommendation for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania on 1 January 2007.."

Pan-European Citizens’ Consultations: (Brussels on the 7-8 Oct 06). 200 citizens from all 25 Member States to discuss the overall question of “what Europe do we want?”

Partnership Forum - 4 C's for Civil Society: (Brussels, 10 Oct 06) in collaboration with the EU Commission and Committee of Regions - in European Week of Citities and Regions -(Registration Form)

Europäisches Migrationszentrum - Information, Research and Documentation centre on EU migration at the Berliner Institut für Vergleichende Sozialforschung , incl the

EUROPEAN MIGRATION NETWORK: 'A Virtual Information Exchange System on Migration and Asylum in Europe'

Law, statistics and research on EU migration and asylum - provided for the European Community, its Member States and in the longer term the general public.

For theUK, see also the Immigration Research and Statistics Service (IRSS) - of the Research Development and Statistics Directorate of the Home Office.

European Citizen Action Service - ECAS - Seminar: Résidence Palace, Polak Room, 155 rue de la Loi, Brussels - Fri 16th March 2007 - Policy Seminar sequel to the 2006 Year of Workers Mobility: For further details and registration form: email: Nathalie.calmejane@ecas.org

By Ruth Kelly and Liam Byrne, proposing, inter alia, a new' national day for Britain'; "....our liberalism and tolerance have never been unconditional...[suggesting that] migrants work towards earning citizenship with credits awarded for voluntary work and deducted for law breaking." June 2007. (Link to Fabians.org.uk)

"Rules to make migrants integrate"(by Patrick Wintour and Alan Travis, in GuardianUnlimted); "...Under the plans.....every teenager in the UK would be given a citizenship pack when they became eligible to vote, and migrants would only be able to become British citizens if they could demonstrate good behaviour and a willingness to integrate."

"Lessons on citizenship" (by Sandy Buchan,Chief executive, Refugee Action, in GuardianUnlimied); "....It would be shameful to suggest that [refugees] should have to earn rights that the rest of us take for granted.....Treating newcomers as second-class citizens is divisive."

".....Last year 164,635 people were approved for citizenship – seven per cent up on the year before, and equal to one every three minutes. ...[and - during 2006]..An estimated 400,000 people are quitting Britain every year. Just over half – 207,000 – are British citizens..." (Tom Whitehead Home Affairs Correspondent, Daily Express, 21/5/08)

Link to: Home Office Immigration & Asylum Statistics (May 2008):

Persons Granted British Citizenship United Kingdom 2007

Quarterly Asylum Statistics First Quarter 2008

Link to the full judgment in R (on the application of Bapio Action Limited and another) (Respondents) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and another (Appellant) on the House of Lords judgements website

"Prime Minister launches contract for foreign national seeking British citizenship"; "...These reforms to the immigration system will be backed up with a new single piece of legislation, replacing all existing immigration laws, which will be introduced to Parliament in November this year. This is designed to make immigration law more straightforward and transparent and make the UK's immigration system more effective."

Details of new 'points system' in the immigration rules - designed to curb the number of skilled migrants entering Britain - published 6th May 2008
'Have your say' - on BBC website; "Will the new system cut down on the number of people entering the UK?
Will a points system work? Do you employ migrants? Will the new system help or hurt your business? Are you planning to move to the UK? Have you gained the right amount of points?"

Link to BBC report on the points-based system

"Tighter new rules for skilled foreign workers" (Link to Home Office - UKBA - press release); "The Home Office today published proposals for much tighter skilled and temporary worker tiers of its new Points Based System (PBS). The schemes - known as Tier 2 and Tier 5 - sweep aside around 30 different routes to the UK, including the old work permit system."

Link to UKBA 'key documents' on the points based system

Transitional arrangements for Tier 5 – temporary workers

Transitional arrangements for Tier 2 - skilled workers

JCWI argues for alternative approach to UK Gov strategy of "Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain" coinciding with publication of new Immigration Bill - JCWI invite comments to: info@jcwi.org.uk

The Health Service Charity, MEDACT - campaign to protect migrant rights' free access to primary health care services across the UK.

Link also to the Medact Campaign Newsletter – January 2008

Immigration Benefit 'Equivalent to a Mars bar a Month': the net "contribution of immigrants to the economy is very slight indeed"

The Impact of Immigration on GDP per head: "Three recent studies - addressing the past, present and future - have all suggested that any such impact is minimal"

Edited by Don Flynn and Zoe Williams and published by Compass, the Barrow Cadbury Trust and the Migrants' Rights Network - A new collection of essays on the principles to underpin progressive immigration policies.Download a free copy from the MRN website

The progressive immigration policy debate - public meeting in Parliament - Tuesday 29 January 2008, 6pm, Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, SW1.

Speakers incl; Liam Byrne MP, Jon Cruddas MP, Madeleine Bunting, Sukhvinder Stubbs, Neil Jameson, Don Flynn & Polly Toynbee

The new Immigration and Citizenship bill is to include restrictions on judicial review in deportation cases; (Link to Alan Travis, Guardian 21 Nov 2008) "...[Immigration Minister Phil Woolas] said repeated access to a review by a high court judge had to be curbed because such appeals were being used to frustrate the system...[but] A similar plan in 2004 to "oust" the role of high court judges in oversight of the asylum and immigration tribunal had to be shelved after a full-scale judicial revolt."

Link to the Draft Bill on the UKBIA

Link to the EIN Compilation page on the progress of the Draft Bill (in EIN Members site) incl. Ministerial and Committe Statements, and written evidence submitted ( from ILPA, RLC, Asylum Aid, IAS, JCWI, Migration Watch etc - submissions closed, 11 Nov)

Jan 2007: examining the impact of migrant workers from the EU Accession States on the UK rural economy and society

Link to the full report on 'ruralcommunities.gov.uk'

BIA Reforms to the systems for the care of, and asylum applications of, unaccompanied children (Link to the full proposals, Jan 31st 2008, further to the consultation document, 'Planning Better Outcomes and Support for Asylum Seeking Children' - March 2007))

Link to BIA Press announcement: 'A compassionate immigration system for children'; "....[And]..The Home Secretary's recent commitment to tackle child trafficking head-on means that we intend to ratify the Council of Europe Convention against trafficking by the end of the year.....I am hopeful too that we can avoid detaining children who are awaiting removal in most cases and today can announce that we will be piloting alternatives to detention." (Liam Byrne, Immigration Minister, 31/01/08)

See also: Refugee Council response to proposals for unaccompanied children: "...The government should not try to force any child to return against their wishes where their safety and welfare cannot be guaranteed....[and]...we urge the government to ensure that the funding of local authorities reflects the real costs involved in providing the right level of care for these children."

"Immigration removal centres are an essential element in the enforcement of immigration control. That is why the Border and Immigration Agency will increase its detention capacity by almost a quarter by the end of 2008. It is vital, however, that removal centres are well-run, safe and secure."

"An action plan addressing the recommendations in today's report is being developed. In the interim we have taken steps to increase the size of the welfare team working in the centre, have introduced a suicide prevention framework mirrored on developments in the prison estate and are taking steps to prevent and stamp out bullying." (BIA responding to report by the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, 27 Nov 2007)

Link to HMCIP inspection reports on Immigration Removal Centres

The new 'Executive Agency', in place of the IND, for 'managing immigration control in the UK'

New 'Borders and Visa strategy' (March 2007) - incl 'Wider, tougher checks abroad' (Ch 3) and 'Our new offshore border control' (Ch 4)

'Introduction of language and citizenship knowledge testing for settlement applications'- from 2 April.

Link to 'Qs & As' on the 'Citizenship tests' for settlement applications

"Government's new bill shakes up the route to citizenship" (Home office press release)

"[British citizenship...]will require all migrants to speak English and obey the law if they want to gain citizenship and stay permanently in Britain - while speeding up the path to citizenship for those who contribute to the community by being active citizens...full access to benefits and social housing will be reserved for citizens and permanent residents - which means if you are not a citizen full access to benefits will not be allowed."

Press Release: [The Commission] "....will consider innovative approaches to looking at how communities across the country can be empowered to improve cohesion and tackle extremism."

Or link to the full report: Controlling Economic Migration

Link also to ECPAT report: 'Missing Out: A Study of Child Trafficking in the North-West, North-East and West Midlands'
by Christine Beddoe, ECPAT UK, 2007

Link to GLA for advice and information for labour provideers, labour users and for workers

Workers Rights (multi-lingual) information available as downloads

GLA Contact details for workers encountering exploitation, mistreatment etc

GLA Contact details for advice and information on licensing - for Employers

LINKS TO RELEVANT LEGISLATION (incl. Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004, The Gangmasters (Licensing) Regulations 2005, Gangmasters (Exclusions) Regulations 2006)

Consultation on Licensing Fees (2009-2010); Link to the Consultation Document (Consultation ends 2 Jan 2009)

IN MEMORIAM: The Morecambe Bay Disaster; "Tide kills 18 cockle pickers" (BBC News Feb 2004)

Guidance and application forms will be published in the week beginning 14 July for migrants who currently hold HSMP leave and need to apply for an extension.

"You are covered by the judgment if you joined the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) under the arrangements in place until the programme was suspended on 7 November 2006."

Proposals, Dec 2007 - for consultation - on stricter conditions and tighter enforcement for visitor visas and visa conditions, incl: financial deposits to ensure foreign national family members return home; shortening tourist visas from six to three months; creating a specific business and specialist visas & visas for one-off events such as the Olympics.

Link directly to to the consultation doc
Deadline for responses: 10 March 2008

Home Office could be split in two (BBC Report)

Reid to split the Home Office 'within months' and Support grows for Home Office split : Justice Ministry powers would be transferred to the DCA and it "would not take long to do" (The Telegraph)

"I can fix the problems, but I need three years" (The Home Secretary in The Telegraph): "..no sacred cows when it comes to protecting security and administering justice".

Home Office Reform (The published plans to date, on the Home Office site)

"Stop kicking the Home Office: ...criticism of the Home Office has been simplistic and unfair, and will do nothing to resolve the real issues challenging the department." (The FDA Union of senior public servants)

Link directly to 2007- 3rd Quarter Report

"Britain is now laying the foundation stone for offshore borders all over the world.But we cannot act in isolation. It is crucial we build on our international alliances to close down routes to those attempting to abuse the system, while enabling legitimate travellers to pass freely." (Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, June 2007)

The Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) - launched 21 June 2007 (in advance of the new points based system for migrants to be introduced in the new year) - to "collect evidence on how migration affects issues such as housing, employment, education, health and social care, crime and disorder and community cohesion" along with a new Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise on labour shortages in the economy.; "....Our countdown to a UK points system for migrants has started, and next year we will start counting people in and out of Britain...."(Liam Byrne)

:

The first report (Sept 2008) of the Migration Advisory Committee - "Skilled, Shortage, Sensible" - on 'skilled' occupational shortages (incl engineers, construction managers, physicists, geologists, biological scientists, veterinery surgeons, pipe fitters, ship and hovercraft officers....sheep shearers and ballet dancers) in lists for the UK and a specific report on Scotland.

Link to the report summary and press release: "....Shortage occupation lists will be used in Tier 2 of the new Points Based System which relates to immigration of skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) Under Tier 2, as well having as a certificate of sponsorship from a sponsored employer and satisfying English language and maintenance requirements, migrants have to satisfy points criteria based on their expected contribution to the UK economy. Under the shortage occupation route, employers who are licensed sponsors can bring in migrant workers from outside the EEA to fill vacancies in those occupations....."

Newsletter of the Migrant Rights Network (MRN); incl. developments since the lauch of their 'Papers Please' report on document checks on migrant workers; reactions to the UKBA 'Code of Practice' on immigrant child welfare and to the National Community Forum report on attitudes of 'poor whites' to migrants; and news on other research and reports, incl. 'ALL I WANT IS TO LAND!' by Save the Children,Sweden and 'Continental Drift: Understanding Advice and Information Needs for A8 Migrant Workers in Scotland' by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Scotland

MIGRATION AND EMPLOYMENT (News items)

"380000 leave UK as migration trend continues to increase" (The Guardian)
"Will Immigration continue to keep inflation in abeyance? The MPC is beginning to think not" (The Independent)
"We have no idea how many migrant workers are in UK - Bank Chief" (The Guardian)
"This land of opportunity must not close doors to migrant labour" (The Independent)

The 'unified force' will integrate the work of the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA), Customs and UK Visas, and will operate overseas and at the main points of entry to the UK.

"More than a billion pledged to strengthen border programme"....."All our tests show it works, and there are more than 1,000 arrests to prove it..." (Liam Byrne, 1st Aug)

"Brown defeated over Gurkha rules" and "...Reactions to the Gurkha vote" : Quotes, incl Joanna Lumley (Actress & Campaigner); " [what a] sense of elation, a sense of pride - pride in our country, pride in the democratic system and pride in our Parliament...
We want the policy changed as swiftly as possible. What is not widely known is that there are Gurkhas living here who've made applications, who are not allowed to work, not allowed to have social security or to go to the NHS, who are living in fact in limbo, and in great hardship and poverty, and sometimes in great illness." (BBC News, 29 April 09)

"The Gurkhas must be rewarded" (Daily Telegraph, 30/94/09) "As the Government is humiliated, Harry De Quetteville explains why we owe so much to the magnificent Gurkhas."

"Justice at Last?" (Timesonline, 30/04/09); "...The vote does not oblige the Government to change its stance. But an appreciation of its.... moral isolation should."

"Defeat for Gordon Brown over Gurkhas" (Guardian 29/04/09) "....Twenty seven Labour MPs voted with the Liberal Democrats and the Tories to back a demand for all former Gurkhas to be allowed to live in the UK, not just those who retired after 1997....."

"... employers wishing to bring non-European Economic Area migrants to the United Kingdom under tiers 2 and 5 will need to be a licensed sponsor. Sponsors will be responsible for issuing certificates of sponsorship to migrants and ensuring that their sponsor obligations are fulfilled. Migrants can then use the certificate of sponsorship to apply for entry clearance." (Home Office BIA)

Link to details of "sponsorship under the points-based system"

New business and special visitor rules

"...........From 27 November if you wish to come to the United Kingdom for a short time to conduct business or to take part in sporting or creative events you will need to come as a business, sports or entertainer visitor.

If you are seeking entry as a child visitor, student visitor, parent of a child at school, marriage visitor, prospective student, visitor in transit or a visitor for private medical treatment, you will still need to apply in that category. This group of categories are collectively known as special visitors..........."

Marriage visa age to rise
"From 27 November both parties in a marriage will have to be 21 before a marriage visa can be issued. Raising the age is just one part of the Government's work to crackdown on forced marriage and on those who attempt to abuse the marriage visa route." (Home Office BIA)

Roll-out of new rules for foreign students (from March 2009): "..............colleges and universities who want to teach non European Economic Area (EEA) nationals must have a licence issued by the UK Border Agency. Licensed institutions can then sponsor non EEA students to come to study in the UK.

Link to TIER 4 Implementation Plan (Students)

On advice of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) "...The number of positions available to migrants [under Tier 2]has been reduced from one million to just under 800,000...Under Tier 2 companies must pass the Resident Labour Market test by proving they cannot fill the post with a resident worker before they can bring in someone from outside the EEA. If the job is on the shortage list the company will not need to pass the test."

Link to revised 'shortage occupation lists'

"Crowding caused by rise in foreign inmates"(Telegraph.co.uk)

"Foreign prisoners will be offered cash to go home" (Guardian Unlimited)

Control of Immigration: Statistics - United Kingdom 2006 Commmand Paper 7197. (21.8.07)

Home Office Statistical Bulletin 14/07 - Asylum Statistics United Kingdom 2006 (21.8.07)

Asylum Statistics: 2nd Quarter 2007 United Kingdom (21.8.07)

"Fear of job stampede offshore 'unfounded'" (David Gow, 'GuardianUnlimited'); "...but developing nations are being plundered for skilled staff to keep Britain growing ......and Germany is planning laws to revent cash-rich economies such as China taking over domestic firms and exporting employment...."

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, calls for "Policy action to benefit migrants, families and communities.....(at the inauguration of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, July 10, 2007)...we live in a new age - an age of mobility, in which more and more people will move across the globe with ever greater frequency."

Statement by Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Chair of the Global Migration Group ; ".......We believe that better strategies to confront those challenges can be forged through international dialogue and cooperation...."

"155 United Nations Member States mark closing of inaugural Global Forum......our meeting.....heralds a new common vision on migration and development, based on cooperation and partnership, rather than on confrontation." (Ambassador De Clercq)

Migration & Development; IPPR Research projects, working papers and reports examining the impact of migration on developing countries, in partnership with the Global Development Network (GDN)

Mapping the Development Impacts of Migration (IPPR); IPPR Working Paper - By Laura Chappell and Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah (coinciding with IPPR presentation at the UN Global Forum, July 2007)

"That warning was quickly seized upon by another tribunal......saying it was entitled to have "fears about his objectiveness". Those remarks have also now been withdrawn....George, an expert on the Middle East, had been invited to provide evidence in the case of a woman who was due to be deported to Lebanon. Experts say the incidents involving George are the latest examples of unacceptable measures taken by immigration judges seeking to reject asylum claims, raising questions about the integrity of the asylum appeals system."

Dr Alan George said: "This sort of attack can have very serious consequences for one's reputation and on one's livelihood....but ultimately it's justice that is going to suffer."

Link to Guardian article - on 'HAT News' - ('Here and There' - support group for asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants in media and journalism)

'Expert apology' - on website of 'Free Movement:Commentary on Immigration and Asylum Law'

"Tribunal pays damages to witness it defamed" - Jonathan Mitchell QC (Scots Law & Legal Practice): "...It is disturbing that the Home Office is now proposing, in an ill-publicised consultation paper, to allow the power of judicial review of decisions of this tribunal to be removed from the Court of Session and handed to the new Upper Tribunal to be established under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 so removing it further from the light of day."

"Tribunal experts fear attacks on integrity - Home Office accused of routinely denigrating academic expertise" By Melanie Newman in the Times Higher Education (6 Nov 2008): ".....Before 2003, the bench wouldn't allow people to be really abused by Home Office officers or counsel. After the war on Iraq, things became much more difficult." (George Joffe, Kings College, London)

Link to: The Directory of Experts on Countries of Origin - on the EIN

(Link to 'Wired-Gov.net) Home Office announcement on 'Oversight of the Immigration Advisers Sector Consultation' (14/05/09) . See the consultation document on UKBA. Consultation runs to 6th August 09.

Draft Regulations removing,with exceptions, the CLS funding for the 'substantive asylum interview'
(Link to Hansard on the Parliament website)

Link to Summary of Responses to the Consultation Paper on
Proposed Changes To Publicly Funded Immigration And Asylum Work
(March 2004) on the DCA website

With Legal and Academic expert guests to appraise the evidence on each country;
at Garden Court Chambers, Lincoln's Inn Fields (Followed by drinks reception to mark
the launch of the charitable status of HJT's country information service). Queries
and booking forms from HJT Training

Also, an EIN 'help desk' and an EIN 'crash course' on "Verifying Legal Authorities via EIN"
Half day pm ticket available to include the Somalia or the Bangladesh course, course notes and the apres-conference reception. For queries, email EIN

Online Courses, with electronic notes & links to Statutory Material

Case Specific Research Service – Joint HJT/IAS Research Unit service for information on the situation in countries of origin - country bundles compiled responding directly to Reasons for Refusal Letter or Determination.

Bill 130-07 - incl provisions for "a new immigration status in certain cases involving criminality"; eg Clause 19: Removal under Criminal Justice Act 1991 (offences before 4th April 2005 etc.) Clause 20: Removal under Criminal Justice Act 2003

Also: Explanatory Notes to the Bill (On Parliament.uk, June 2007)

The 'HJT_Training' Autumn Schedule, incl. "Challenging the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal" (Thursday,Sept 25th)

The Conference on "Current Issues in Immigration, Asylum, Human Rights and EC Law" is now scheduled for Thursday October 23rd

The 5th Edition of the HJT Manual is now also available as a download

Link to: 'Expert Evidence' ( Section 4 of the ILPA/RLG "Best Practice Guide to Asylum Appeals" by Mark Henderson, fao practitioners & experts)

Section 4 on 'EXPERT EVIDENCE' , relevant to practitioners and experts, is available as a separate document. The 'Entry form' for experts to be included in the new ILPA + EIN Experts directory can be downloaded from HERE

Incl also: Law Society 'Barrister of the Year' winner: Parosha Chandran (1 Pump Court)

"Parosha Chandran has acted in precedent-setting human trafficking and immigration cases, and works with a number of NGOs providing support to victims of sex trafficking, forced labour and torture – in addition to giving lectures and providing training.

In what is an under-supported area of law, the judges felt the glowing testimonials in her entry summed up her outstanding commitment and what a remarkable talent she is."

The Immigration Team at Mitre House Chambers are hosting a series of seminars intended to provide updates on a range of specialist topics - incl "THE RIGHT OF ENTRY TO EUROPEAN FAMILY MEMBERS" ( 3rd June) and "FOREIGN MARRIAGES AND DIVORCES: VALIDITY, POLYGAMY, DOMICLE AND TALAQS" (17th June) The seminar on trafficking - "WAKING THE COURTS UP TO MODERN DAY SLAVERY" is now scheduled for Tuesday 22nd July. Immigration practitioners are particularly encouraged to attend.

Electronic course notes & multiple choice questions, currently on the following themes: Introduction to Immigration Practice (nine modules, based on the HJT Accreditation Manual ); Current Issues in Immigration, Asylum, Human Rights and EC Law; European free movement;Challenging the AIT: Review and Reconsideration;Refugee Convention - Cessation Clauses (Law Society & Bar Council Accreditation)

Also, free 1 hour CPD course on 'Key Developments in Immigration Case Law from the Higher Courts and the Tribunal'

For details see HJT TRAINING, or Tel: 01322 424694
or Email: enquiries@hjt-training.co.uk

Explanatory Notes and 'Regulatory Impact Assessment' (Feb 2007) for the Borders Bill (On the Parliament website)

HJT Training - Manchester, Thursday May 17th: New decisions from the ECtHR, key cases on asylum and human rights from the higher courts and the Tribunal, latest developments on the Refugee Qualification Directive and Home Office procedures; new cases regarding the interpretation of the immigration rules and Community law including Accession of Romania and Bulgaria, Jia in the European Court of Justice, and issues arising in the cases of self-sufficient children and applicants under the Ankara Agreement. (Now fully booked; arrangements to be made for a Birmingham session)

"The Home Office has been chaotic and cruel in the way it has released these men. Even when it is releasing them it appears to be doing it in the most shambolic, and therefore cruellest, way possible." (Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, in the Independent 14 March 2005.

The first 'control orders' following the new 'Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005' have already been issued (link to new Act on HMSO website)

"Law lords condemn Blunkett's terror measures" (Independent On-line edition)

"Lords and masters: Ministers need to change the law, not abandon it" (Times Online)

"He was a dangerous man" (Simon Jenkins in the Times on the former Home Secretary)

'A & others v the Secretary of State for the Home Department' (The full judgment on the House of Lords website)

Robert Winder, author of "Bloody Foreigners: The Story of Immigration to Britain", writing in the Independent, 19/04/05, (On-line version by subscription) recalling the parallels with the political debate on the Aliens Bill, this week in 1905

UK Govt. announces intention to sign the European Convention on Trafficking

Parosha Chandran: [This] " is very significant...Victim protection is the cornerstone of any policy against trafficking. Victims won’t give evidence unless they feel safe...."

Link to: 'Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.'

Link to: Schedule of current status of signatories and ratifications (Feb 2007)

Link also to the Appendix for details of all EU member state responses

For all Statewatch news releases see http://www.statewatch.org/news/ and link HERE to the Statewatch 'Observatory on EU asylum and immigration policy'

Home Office guide to information requests under the FOI Act

"Information Rights" by Philip Coppel (Sweet & Maxwell 2004)

"Carey urges immigration control": "....the issue of immigration will not go away and I hope that [the new PM] will impose stricter controls on those entering the United Kingdom...." (Lord Carey, former Archibishop, on BBC News)

"£2 billion is a considerable amount on legal aid – considerably more in fact than any other comparable jurisdiction – it is not the case that under-funding is the problem. [...but it...] does require us to find efficiencies in the procurement system that can enable us to continue to deliver a world-class service....I believe the future of our legal profession does lie in the reforms that are soon to be underway – but in a broader context – the future of our profession lies in reconnecting with the public." (Lord Falconer's speech - on the DCA website)

BBC NEWS report on reaction by Parliamentary Select Committee on proposals for reform of the office of Lord Chancellor

Link here to the published report of the Constitutional Affairs Committee on the new Supreme Court on the House of Commons website

Government to challenge Lawrence killer deportation decision

"The government will "very vigorously" appeal against an immigration tribunal decision to allow the killer of the London headteacher Philip Lawrence to remain in the UK after he is released from prison......" (GuardianUnlimited, 21Aug07)

Lawrence killer ruling appeal 'hopeless'

"Solicitor for Philip Lawrence's killer claims that Government has no grounds to appeal against his client staying in UK ..." (TimesOnline, 21Aug07)

Link to 'Executive Summary' of the Determination on the 'Judiciary.gov.uk' website (Elec.copy of the full determination not yet published)

Latest issue (No 55) by the 'Refugee Womens Resource Project'
See also the 'WAN INDEX' for back issues

Responses to CRE statements on the dilemmas of 'multiculturalism' - on 'The Observer' website.

Link to "An (English) hole in the sum of the (UK) parts" in the EIN NEWS (Spring 2004)

"The 'War on Terror' and the Framework of International Law" By Helen Duffy - Legal Director, INTERIGHTS) (Cambridge University Press)
"Dangerous, Ill-Conceived, An Assault on human rights" (Amnesty Intl.on Terrorism Bill in the Independent Online)
"The reality of Britain's reliance on torture" (Craig Murray in the Independent-Online 27/10/05)
Torture valid as it saves lives, says MI5 (TimesOnline report on latest SIAC terror-suspect bail applications)
Law Lords consider use of evidence obtained by torture (BBC news item headed "Lords consider 'torture' appeal": "The battle against terrorism..is also a battle of ideas" (Shami Chakrabarti - Director, Liberty)
Terrorism Bill (2005) ( new bill on the Parliament website)
The Terrorism Bill: Report by Lord Carlile (The report, in full on 'TimesOnline', by Lord Carlile of Berriew QC - appointed 'Independent Reviewer' of anti-terrorist legislation)

The Ministry of Justice, in the DCA, to be responsible for policy on the overall criminal, civil, family and administrative justice system, including sentencing policy, as well as the courts, tribunals, legal aid and constitutional reform.
The Home Office retains existing responsibility for immigration, asylum and identity management (ID cards and passports). The new Ministry will, "with the Home Office and the Attorney General's Office, respect the vital roles and independence of the judiciary and the Prosecuting authorities".

Charles Clarke has been named as the new Home Secretary - link here to the news item on this in the Guardian

"Torture: an idea for our time" by Clive Stafford Smith - on the 'Open Democracy' website: "The renewed attempt to normalise and justify torture is ethically wrong and practically dangerous..."

Applications invited . Each year an award of £2000 is made to women from an immigrant or refugee background who intend to practice or teach law in the UK, towards the cost of undertaking or pursuing Bar or solicitors' exams, pupillage, solicitors' training, or other legal placement or research in the UK or abroad.

EIN members are encouraged to bring this to the attention of those who might be eligible.

NB Deadline for applications: 22 MAY 2009

EIN members are encouraged to draw this to the attention of potentially suitable applicants; Deadline for applications, 30th May 2008 - email: irmt@gclaw.co.uk for the application form or further info (Registered Charity No. 1071673)

BBC News report on the vote in the Lords to retain the position/name of 'Lord Chancellor', headed: "Tories hail Lord Chancellor vote": "..........An alliance of Tories and crossbenchers opposed the government plans because they said it would threaten judicial independence."

PERESTROIKA UK: A JUDICIAL REVOLUTION? (Link to prior EIN NEWS item - Spring 2004 on House of Lords judicial/executive/legislative Reform!)

Submissions, comments, queries etc can still be sent to: immigrationsimplification@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Simplifying legislation, processes and technology (on UKBA)

"The question that cannot be asked outright"...."....MI5 and MI6 can never be sure whether information has been gleaned from torture....for fear of damaging an intelligence source." (Timesonline)

"Torture ruling leaves terror policy in chaos" "....Lawyers said the judgment would reverberate around the world, putting beyond doubt that the ban on torture was absolute in civilised countries." (GuardianUnlimited)

"Crucial decisions for detention judges".........whether evidence obtained under torture is involved in up to 30 cases of foreign terror suspects detained in Britain." (Guardian Unlimited)

"Law lords ban evidence gained under torture" (Independent Online)
(Gareth Peirce, solicitor) ".....we've had to argue for four years that evidence which could be the product of torture should not be used in court."
(Shami Chakrabarti, the Director of Liberty)"...This is an incredibly important day...a signal across the democratic world that there is to be no compromise on torture."