The East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership Briefing brings together different sources of information relating to Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants.
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- Migration
- Consultations
- Funding
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Early Legal Advice Project (ELAP) closes to new claimants from January 2013 – UKBA and Legal Services Commission (LSC) announcement
UKBA and LSC have been operating the Early Legal Advice Project (ELAP) in the Midlands and East of England since November 2010. The principal of ELAP is that asylum applicants access legal advice prior to their asylum interview, allowing more time for them to prepare their case, with the aim that all evidence is provided at the earliest opportunity enabling UKBA decisions to be more sustainable, giving more effective conclusions at a lower overall cost to the public purse. The project will end March 2013, coinciding with the end of the current legal aid contract. ELAP will not be offered to new asylum applicants after 31 December 2012. This will enable both UKBA and representatives to provide the service to those who have already accepted on ELAP before representation at asylum interviews are out of scope of new legal aid contracts. New applicants will be progressed through the national asylum process. To ask about legal aid and ELAP contact LSC e: john.facey@legalservcies.gsi.gov.uk or for information about ELAP, contact UKBA on e: sarah.aspinall6@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Joint Select Committee: evidence on human rights of unaccompanied migrant children and young people
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has launched an inquiry into the human rights of unaccompanied migrant children and young people in the UK, with a particular focus on those who are seeking asylum or have been the victims of trafficking. The Committee aims to report to both Houses, with recommendations, no later than Easter 2013. On 11 December, the committee heard evidence from the Children’s Commissioners from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland’s Commissioners for children and young people, plus the general secretary from Immigration Law Practitioners Association and a representative from the Migrant & Refugee Children’s Legal Unit (MiCLU). Please follow this link to watch the evidence given to the committee: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=12071
Thanks to the East of England Newsflash
The effectiveness and impact of immigration detention casework – a report from Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration and HMI Prisons
The report presents the findings of the first thematic inspection conducted jointly by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) and HMI Prisons. Inspectors examined the quality and effectiveness of immigration casework and the human impact of this. They concluded that immigration casework needs to improve so that people aren’t detained for longer than necessary. http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/immigration-detention-casework-poor-casework-must-be-addressed-say-chief-inspectors/
European Asylum Support Office (EASO) – country of origin report on Afghanistan
EASO’s new Country of Origin Information (COI) report, 'Afghanistan – insurgent strategies: intimidation and targeted violence against Afghans', focuses on the intimidation used by the Taliban on Afghan people, regional differences and the list of profiles of targeted victims. EASO have chosen Afghanistan for its first COI report because the country is the source of the largest number of asylum seekers in the EU, and because of the wide differences in refugee recognition rates of Afghans in Member States. This report provides information for COI researchers, decision and policy-makers active in procedures for assessing asylum applications from Afghan nationals. http://www.easo.europa.eu/documents/192143_2012_5967_EASO_Afghanistan_II.pdf?
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: the dilemma facing refused asylum seekers [December 2012]
This report discusses the ongoing human rights abuses and persecution taking place in five countries from which a high number of asylum seekers in the UK come from, and fear returning to when they are refused asylum here. The countries are Democratic Republic of Congo. Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
The report also highlights the situation for those who remain in the UK because the situation that caused them to flee their country remains a reality. The UK government expects people who are refused asylum here to return voluntarily, or be returned forcibly - but this often does not happen. Instead, those who stay are often forced into destitution and risk, as they are left unsupported and unprotected by the UK government. The report includes recommendations for the government to ensure that refused asylum seekers who cannot return to their own countries are protected while they wait for their countries to become safe again.
http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/Resources/Refugee%20Council/downloads/Refugee%20Council%20Between%20a%20Rock%20and%20a%20Hard%20Place%2010.12.12.pdf
Migration
Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Census 2011 data releases
The data release on 11 December included at ethnicity and national identity. It shows that England is more ethnically diverse with rising numbers of people identifying with minority ethnic groups in 2011. The majority of the usual resident population, 86 per cent of the population, reported their ethnic group as White. Within this ethnic group, White British was the largest at 80.5 per cent, followed by Any Other White at 4.4 per cent. This includes people with Poland as a country of birth, who were the second largest group of non-UK born residents in 2011. Indian was the next largest ethnic group at 2.5 per cent followed by Pakistani 2.0 per cent. The remaining ethnic groups each accounted for up to 2 per cent of the population in 2011
In addition to London boroughs, the largest percentages of Indian-born are concentrated in Leicester, Pakistani-born in Slough and Bradford, and Irish-born in Luton. Polish-born residents are concentrated in West London, Slough and in Boston, but the top five local authorities for Polish-born include less than 9 per cent of the total Polish born in England and Wales, suggesting that there is a wider spread of EU migrants across the country. The largest percentages of Nigerian-born are resident in South and East London.
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-local-authorities-in-england-and-wales/rpt-international-migrants.html#tab-Local-geography-of-non-UK-born-and-non-UK-nationals
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-local-authorities-in-england-and-wales/rpt-ethnicity.html
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-local-authorities-in-england-and-wales/rpt-international-migrants.html
Changes to the Immigration Rules come into effect on 13 December 2012
A number of changes to the Immigration Rules come into effect on 13 December 2012. These changes will affect non-European Economic Area nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/december/17-rules
Operation Nexus results in more than 175 removals
More than 175 of London's most prolific foreign national offenders have been removed from the UK in just a few months as a result of a joint operation by the UK Border Agency and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/january/02-nexus
Partner Survey from UKBA – the introduction of biometric residence cards for non-EEA family members of EEA nationals who are exercising free movement rights in the UK
The purpose of this survey is to seek views on UKBA’s proposals to issue biometric residence cards to non-EEA family members of EEA nationals. The information will help to inform UKBA’s policy and contribute to the impact assessment and policy equality statement. Please follow this link to access the survey, which should be completed by 17 Januaryhttps://feedback.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/v.asp?i=65209mworx#centralContent
British Council ESOL nexus – online resources for teachers and learners
These ESOL resources are aimed at new arrivals to the UK from outside the EU, but the access to the website is open to all learners. For teachers, there are lesson plans and teaching resources, online continuing professional development modules and an email newsletter. Learners can access activities for the home and classroom which look at UK life and work and can tap into email grammar lessons and competitions. Visit the ESOL Nexus website at: http://esol.britishcouncil.org
Thanks to the East of England Newsflash
The EU’s Global approach to Migration and Mobility – The House of Lords’ EU Committee report
The Committee’s report considers the Commission’s 2011 Communication on the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility and the UK’s participation in EU asylum and immigration measures. The report points out that as the UK and other EU countries face an ageing population and a declining birth rate, legal third country immigration into the EU will be needed to keep the economy on track and retain the EU’s competitiveness in a global market.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/eu-home-affairs-sub-committee-f-/news/migration-and-mobility-report-publication/
Thanks to the East of England Newsflash
Platform for International Cooperation on undocumented migrants (PICUM) – quarterly bulletin
The bulletin covers the period July to September 2012 and features articles on borders, European policy developments, national developments, health-care, fair working conditions, undocumented women, children and families and detention and deportation. Please follow this link to read the bulletin full: http://picum.org/picum.org/uploads/file_/FINAL%20PICUM%20QUARTERLY%20Jul-Sep%202012%20EN.pdf
Thanks to the East of England Newsflash
Consultations
Comments sought on draft eligibility criteria for the new "Leicestershire Welfare Provision"
Comments by 15 January 2013
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will from 1st April 2013 transfer the responsibility for the discretionary funding from the current Social Fund to Local Authorities. The transfer of responsibility from DWP is made without any guidance and a reduced funding framework.
Leicestershire County Council has been developing a local scheme in consultation with a multi-agency group of stakeholders. The scheme is still under development and we would like to get your comments on some of the proposals.
We appreciate that the timescales are tight. Your comments will help influence the eligibility criteria to be applied from the 1st April 2013 in Leicestershire.
The new scheme is to be called “Leicestershire Welfare Provision” (LWP).
Details of the consultation can be found here http://www.leics.gov.uk/lnsf
Funding
The Pfizer UK Foundation
Although people in the UK are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, there remain pockets of exception, where health outcomes are low and life expectancy is little better than the UK average of fifty years ago.
Pfizer is committed to helping people live healthier lives and secure healthier futures. The Pfizer UK Foundation is one way in which Pfizer is working to support better health outcomes in the UK above and beyond its medicines. One of the best ways to do this is to support grassroots community projects through the provision of financial and practical help.
The Pfizer UK Foundation was established in 2005 to support healthcare organisations in the UK working at a local level to address health inequalities resulting from social, economic, cultural and demographic factors. The community-based projects supported tackle those health inequalities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales that fall outside core NHS statutory funding. The aim is to support projects providing tailored, innovative, modest and local solutions to needs defined by local healthcare and social care experts, community groups and charities.
The Pfizer UK Foundation donates £1 million in grants each year to community projects addressing health inequalities experienced by thousands of people across the UK.
This round of funding is now open. Please note that the deadline for this round is 5.30pm on Wednesday 30th January 2013. Organisations will not be able to submit applications for consideration at this round of funding after the deadline. http://www.pfizer.co.uk/sites/uk/our_responsibility/pfizer_uk_foundation/Pages/default.aspx
The Ironmongers’ Company wishes to support projects that provide opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people to fulfil their potential.
Grants are only given to registered charities. Projects must meet all of the following criteria:
- For children and young people under the age of 25 who are disadvantaged
- Consist of educational activities that develop learning, motivation and skills
- Have clear aims and objectives to be met within a planned timescale
- Are within the UK
http://www.ironmongers.org/charity_organisations.htm
The Salters’ Charitable Foundation (SCF) is inviting funding applications for inspirational Projects
under the following three themes:
Environment
Citizenship & Community Development
Health
To apply for a Project Grant, please download and follow the Project Grant Guidelines and download and complete the Stage 1 Project Grant Application Form. Stage 1 Project Grant applications must be received by 5pm on Thursday 31 January 2013.
http://www.salters.co.uk/TheCharities/FundingGuidelines/tabid/72/Default.aspx
European Integration Fund
In December/early 2013, European Integration Fund, Call for Action Grants with an estimated total budget of nearly €8m is expected. It will cover specific topics in the areas of: Local action to enhance migrants' economic, social, cultural and political participation; Cooperation with source countries in fostering integration; Governance and effectiveness of integration measures. For more information, please follow this link: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/financing/fundings/migration-asylum-borders/integration-fund/index_en.htm
EU Daphne III programme – pre-call alert: Action Grants 2013
Daphne III 2007-2013 is a transnational EU funding programme which finances projects that focus on protecting young people and women from violence - such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, discrimination-based violence against migrants or other vulnerable sections of society. With a budget of €114.4 million for 2007-2013, DAPHNE III part-finances three types of activities:
- Action grants for ‘Specific transnational projects’
- ‘Operating grants’ for large NGOs which have partners in 12 or more Member States
- Tendered contracts for DAPHNE studies and conferences
2013 will be the last call for Action Grants under this programme, and when the call is announced, it is likely to be open for two months. Among the priorities for funding is support for victims of violence, including targeted support services for most vulnerable groups of victims, such as persons with disabilities, migrants, Roma, persons belonging to ethnic minorities as well as projects that combat and prevent violence linked to so-called harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, forced or early marriage and ‘honour’ crimes.EC funding will cover up to 80% of total eligible costs. The minimum grant is €75,000. The deadline for submission is expected to be sometime in the first quarter of 2013. Proposals must involve a partnership of at least 2 organisations from 2 different EU Member States (plus some other specific countries). However, given the high level of competition for funding, it is recommended that projects aim to have more than the minimum number required for eligibility. Please follow this link, which is where the call will be published: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants/programmes/daphne/index_en.htm
Helena Kennedy Foundation – Article 26: funding for those who sought asylum in the UK to go to university in 2013
Article 26 of the Human Rights Declaration states that everyone has the right to education and that higher education should be accessible on the basis of merit. Article 26 is a project that makes access to higher education a reality for talented students who have sought asylum in the UK, who have also been offered a place at university but cannot access the necessary financial and practical support to attend. Since 2005, Article 26 has been working to remove financial barriers that exist for asylum seeking students – barriers such as being treated as foreign students and having to pay international tuition fees and not being eligible for the government’s student loan. The foundation works in partnership with ten Universities and provides a number of tuition fee bursaries. None of the ten universities that Article 26 works with ten is in the East Midlands, and to be eligible, candidates must be able to commute to one of the ten partner universities. Anyone interested in finding out more should follow this link http://www.hkf.org.uk/article_26.php
The Asylum and Migration Fund – 2014-2020
This fund is being proposed as one of the two replacing six home affairs funds. It will focus on people flows and the integrated management of migration. It will support actions addressing all aspects of migration, including asylum, legal migration, integration and the return of irregularly staying non-EU nationals. It has a proposed total budget €3.869m, of which €3.232m would be allocated to nationally-managed programmes. The Commission’s proposal for the new Fund states the intention for the focus to be “on a local, more targeted approach, in support of consistent strategies specifically designed to promote the integration of third-country nationals at local or regional level such as civic orientation courses, participation in social and civic life, equal access to services etc. Particular attention will be paid to the specific needs of the most vulnerable groups of migrants such as refugees, unaccompanied minors, elderly people and victims of trafficking. In addition, pre-admission measures implemented in the countries of origin will also be supported as a crucial means of facilitating legal migration to the EU and promoting integration at an early stage.” The proposals are awaiting first reading. For more information about this new funding arrangement, please follow this link
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/financing/fundings/funding-home-affairs-beyond-2013/index_en.htm
Thanks to the East of England Newsflash