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
- Community Cohesion
- Events
- Funding
- Jobs
Asylum seekers and refugees
Call for pregnant asylum seeking women to share experiences for new research project
The Refugee Council is working with Maternity Action to research how women in the asylum system experience dispersal and relocation while pregnant or as new mothers. They are currently searching for women who would be willing to share their experiences of this to inform this research.
Researchers will be carrying out interviews with women who are willing to talk about their experiences in May and June 2012. If you can answer yes to all of the following questions, and would be happy to talk to them, please get in touch:
Have you claimed asylum in the UK? Have you had a baby since you claimed asylum? Were you living in UKBA provided accommodation at the time? Were you moved to different accommodation while you were pregnant or within 6 weeks of the birth of your child? The interview will take 1-2 hours in a place where you feel comfortable and safe. They can arrange for a woman interpreter to help with the interview and they can provide childcare. Individuals will be compensated for their time.
All interviews will be confidential and you will be anonymous. They are committed to looking at the effect of Government policies on women seeking asylum. They will use the findings to call for changes to policy if necessary. If you wish to take part, or would like more information about the project, please contact Anna Musgrave on: 0800 021 3066 (free from landlines) / 020 7346 1031 / 07908 148645 Or email her on anna.musgrave@refugeecouncil.org.uk
REfugee Council - The experiences of refugee women in the UK.pdf
The experiences of refugee women in the UK
Refugee Council briefing on the experiences of refugee women in the asylum system
This briefing summarises the Refugee Council's key concerns about the situation of refugee and asylum seeking women in the UK, based on our experience of working with women to provide specialist support, practical help and counselling.
The briefing sets out key information about the prevalence of rape and sexual violence experienced by many women seeking asylum, highlights the casework experience of the Powerful Women's Project, and puts forward the Refugee Council's key priorities for policy change to improve the situation of refugee women in the UK.
European Council on Refugees and Exiles – ECRE Weekly Bulletin
The ECRE Weekly Bulletin provides information about the latest European developments in the areas of asylum and refugee protection.
Attached is the 4th May 2012 issue ECRE Weekly Bulletin 4 May 2012
Effective Action, working with Refugees – preventing Homelessness: a guide from Homeless Link
Homeless Link published new guidance in their Effective Action series, on Working with Refugees. This focuses on how practical steps services can take to prevent homelessness for clients when they receive refugee status, and includes actions before and after a decision is received. Please follow this link to access the guidance: http://homeless.org.uk/migrants
Thanks to East of England Newsflash
ForAsylum
Issue 4 of the ForAsylum Newsletter is now available here: ForAsylum Newsletter.pdf
UN Refugee Agency issues ‘Guidelines on Statelessness’, number 2
These Guidelines address procedures that are aimed specifically at determining whether an individual is stateless: during a refugee status determination procedure, a return procedure, or when assessing if the person could benefit from safeguards provided to stateless persons. The Guidelines provide legal guidance for governments, NGOs, legal practitioners as well as decision makers, judiciary and UN staff and agencies. Read the document in full:
UNH~C~R - Guidelines on Statelessness.pdf
Refugee Council Move
The Refugee Council in London will soon be moving offices, and we are changing the way we run our services for asylum seekers and refugees. By mid-June 2012, we will have moved out of our building in Brixton into new premises, and while continuing to run all of our current services, will be working in a new way that better meets the needs of our clients.
We are currently finalising the details of the move, so will send you an update with full details of the client services available and locations of our new London offices within the next couple of weeks. The change follows substantial cuts to funding for our services last year, when we had to make major changes to the way we run our services. Our lease in Brixton also expires this June, and so we have used this as an opportunity to implement changes that will enable us to better help our clients with the resources we now have available.
As you will know, the Refugee Council has been offering practical and emotional support and advice to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK since 1951. We remain committed to ensuring those who are seeking protection here can get the support they need to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. As mentioned, we will send you a full update in coming weeks, and all the information will be available then on our website. In the meantime, please contact Deborah Harris, Chief Operating Officer if you have any urgent queries about this.
Routeway to Employment for Refugees
TREC has secured funds from DWP (Flexible Support Fund) to assist new arrivals with Leave to Remain and in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance to access employment market. The project will be delivered over a twelve month period from 30th April 2012 to May 2013. For further information please phone: Tahera Khan on 2999800. TRECblog.pdf
Enterprising New Arrivals Service
TREC has begun a new programme ‘Enterprising New Arrivals’ Service being funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the project is to support, build and enable newly arrived communities to engage in the economic regeneration of their neighbourhoods. The programme will be tailored to the specific needs of the new arrival communities with whom TREC works. We will be offering access to community based entrepreneurial mentors/ ambassadors and information road shows in specific community locations. For more information please click this link: Enterprising New Arrivals Project.pdf
Migration
UNHCR /International Catholic Migration Commission – ICMC
Linking-In EU Resettlement – Newsletter 2 – March 2012 ICMC Newsletter No 2.pdf
Beyond Irregularity
In collaboration with international partners, IPPR is leading a major programme of research on irregular and transit migration from sub-Saharan Africa through Morocco to the European Union.
Project overview:
The project aims to create an evidence base which will enable governments, the EU and other stakeholders to better manage and prevent irregular migration from sub-Saharan African countries and transit in Morocco to the EU.The project’s specific objectives are to:
analyse recent trends regarding irregular migration between Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe through collaborative action-oriented research enhance through training and collaborative research the institutional capacity of governments and civil society actors in countries of origin and transit to combat illegal migration, migrant smuggling and human trafficking strengthen the protection of migrants’ rights in transit countries raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration and exploitation by trafficking networks provide a strategic and sustainable framework for dialogue and cooperation around irregular migration and trafficking between EU member states and counties of origin and transit. The project is focused on three specific case studies. Each case study will address some of the common misconceptions about irregular migration and trafficking, enhance our understanding of the complex individual motivations to migrate, and help formulate innovative policies that go beyond traditional security responses such as border controls and policing.
Case study 1: Victims of trafficking – Nigerians in the UK
This case study will gather detailed evidence on the methods and routes used by traffickers to transport individuals from Nigeria to the UK. We are working with civil society actors and relevant government departments in the UK to develop a comprehensive prevention strategy to stop women being trafficked into prostitution in the UK. This has a particular focus on preventing women being trafficked prior to the Olympics in 2012.
Case study 2: Irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa in transit in Morocco
Researchers will explore migrants’ experiences and intentions at each stage of irregularity. Interviews will be conducted with asylum seekers, visa overstayers, clandestine entrants, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors, apprehended irregular migrants and vulnerable migrants. Along with our Moroccan partner, we will work with civil society actors and the Moroccan government to strengthen the protection of migrants’ rights while in transit.
Case study 3: Returnee irregular migrants in Nigeria and Morocco
The research will explore migrants’ motivations for remaining in the EU and inhibitors to return at each stage of their experience as an irregular migrant, as well as their future migration intentions. We will work with civil society actors and relevant government departments in Nigeria and Morocco to establish social and professional reintegration schemes.
Outputs: Guided by an advisory panel of experts, the project will deliver a number of tailored outputs in 2011–13, including: four policy briefings and three case study reports running training sessions with partners; holding four stakeholder seminar; designing a toolkit for civil society actors to improve the level of support they provide for irregular migrants and victims of trafficking; hosting a major international conference in Brussels. To ensure the sustainability of the research, we will also establish a permanent Euro-Mediterranean Consortium for Irregular Migration Research and Advocacy. We will invite research institutes and civil society actors in the Euro-Mediterranean region to join.
Sponsors: IPPR is very grateful to the European Commission for sponsoring this project
'Keeping families apart' – MRN briefing on family migration policy
The MRN campaign on family migration releases a new briefing paper showing that a higher income threshold for family migration could shut out 50% of the UK working population from bringing a spouse or partner here – with ethnic minorities, women and children particularly hit. The full report is attached here: MRN - Keeping Families Apart.pdf
Economic and Social Research Council
Schools, local councils and professionals need better guidance and training to work with migrant families from Eastern Europe and their children, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Researchers from the University of Strathclyde found that many children had positive experiences after migration, but a number experienced racism, some struggled with language and some found access to services more problematic than in their home countries. The research looked at the experiences of children who arrived in Scotland from the new accession countries after the expansion of European Union in 2004.
For further information follow this link: ESRC Press Release - Experiences of Migrant children.pdf
Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Consultation on International Migration Statistical Outputs
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is reviewing its migration outputs to ensure they are coherent and continue to meet user requirements. Comments are requested on the proposed changes outlined in this document. Please email responses to: migstatsunit@ons.gov.uk by 5th July 2012. All the responses received will be used to help ONS determine the timing and content of future statistical outputs on international migration. A wide-ranging ONS Work Programme Consultation, which was carried out in the light of the Government’s 2010 Spending Review, was published on 1 November 2010 and ended on 24 December 2010. Responses relevant to migration received as part of the Work Programme Consultation will be considered alongside responses to this review.
A response to this consultation, key findings and planned changes to migration related outputs will be published on the ONS website in July/August 2012.
The full consultation document can be found at: ONS - Consultation feedback form.pdf Consultation on International Migration Statistical Outputs.pdf
Here to Stay Project
Here to Stay is a five year national study into a situation of people with learning disabilities from ethnic minority communities and new migrant communities living in England. The HERE TO STAY project addresses the gap in the knowledge about the health and social care needs of people with learning disabilities from ethnic minority and new migrant communities living in England. IF YOU work with people with learning disabilities in education, health or social care in the public, private or voluntary sector, we would like to ask you to complete a survey and share your views and experiences. Please consider completing the survey even if you do not directly work with people from all ethnic backgrounds.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? Information that you provide will be used to inform a national consultation to produce guidelines to make learning disability services more visible and accessible to this population. If you wish to participate in the consultation as well as in the survey, there will be space in the survey to provide your contact details. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SURVEY. The survey will take about ten minutes to complete. We very much hope that you will help us to make this project a worthwhile undertaking.
For MORE INFORMATION about the project Here to Stay.pdf
Communities and Local Government
National taskforce to end the problem of 'beds in sheds' National Taskforce to end the problem of beds in sheds.pdf
Migration Advisory Committee
Call for evidence on the review of tier 2 Codes of Practice . On 27 April 2012, the Minister for Immigration wrote to the Migration Advisory Committee on behalf of the Government asking that the Committee conduct a review of the Tier 2 Codes of Practice. Attached are the final partner consultation letter and Call for evidence. Final Partner Consultation Letter.pdf Call for evidence FINAL version.pdf
UK Border Agency - Removing full right of appeal for family visitors
A clause in the Crime and Courts Bill, published today, will remove the full right of appeal for those applying to enter the UK as a family visitor. Subject to Parliamentary approval and Royal Assent, this change is expected to come into force by 2014. Refused applicants will still be able to appeal on limited grounds of human rights or race discrimination. In June 2012 we will also introduce secondary legislation which will tighten the family and sponsor definitions in family visit visa appeals. Subject to Parliamentary approval, these changes are expected to come into force in July 2012. Those applying to visit a cousin, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew will no longer have access to a full right of appeal, and to use that appeal right, the family member being visited in the UK must have settled, refugee or humanitarian protection status.These changes will only affect applicants who have been refused a visa to visit family members. No changes are being made to the rules governing who can qualify for entry to the UK as a visitor and genuine visitors are welcome.
Consultation
Between July and October 2011, the Home Office carried out a consultation on whether applicants refused a family visit visa should have a full right of appeal. 39 per cent of respondents felt that a full right of appeal should not be retained for this category and 28 per cent felt that it should. 33 per cent didn't comment. The Independent Chief Inspector will continue to monitor visa refusals where applicants have no full right of appeal and the UK Border Agency will use this feedback to improve our application and decision making processes. Further changes following the 2011 family migration consultation will be announced in due course. As well as removing the full right of appeal for family visit visas, the Crime and Courts Bill also includes provisions relating to UK Border Agency investigatory and other powers.
Community Cohesion
Women’s Resource Centre – National Equality Partnership
The National Equality Partnership's final report Worth Every Penny of Every Pound, is a piece of Social Return on Investment research that examines the value of equalities infrastructure organisations (EIOs). EIOs are led by a specific equality group and provide services to and campaign on behalf of their community. The research shows that for every £1 invested in EIOs, they create between £2.30 and £9.20 of social and economic value. The report calls for better support for EIOs and a simplified commissioning process for smaller specialist organisations.
Womens Resource Centre.pdf
Events
Public Policy Exchange - International Student Recruitment : Understanding and Working with the Points Based Immigration System – 12th June 2012
With the international student market providing such a significant contribution economically, academically and culturally to this country’s education sector, particularly universities, it is imperative that institutions are up to speed with the new system and are fully compliant with UK Border Agency procedures.
This special one-day training seminar, provides a timely opportunity for education providers, international student recruitment officers and advisers to understand the new immigration landscape and its impact on vetting, sponsoring and recruiting overseas students. For further information and booking form, please follow the attached link. Public Policy Exchange - International Student Recruitment.pdf
Funding
Below are several links to funding available throughout the East Midlands from various bodies
Local Donors' Fund (Leicestershire)
Funding available: up to £500
Application deadline: none Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Community Forum.pdf
Spirita Community Chest. Funding available: £250 Spirita Residents Community Association.pdf
Mansfield Building Society - Community Support Scheme
Funding available: £100 to £500 Mansfield Building Society.pdf
The University of Nottingham’s Community Chest Fund Community Leadership Awards
Funding available: Up to £500
The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales supports and works in partnership with registered charities helping disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community.
The Community Programme focuses on core and project funding to local registered charities with an income of less than £1M and national charities with an income of less than £5M and applicant charities must hold less than 12 months of reserves. We are interested in supporting work that achieves one of the following:
Improved social and community involvement; Improved life choices and chances; Helping people to be heard. Grants are made appropriate to the size and needs of the charity and funding is available for core costs, including salaries and rent, as well as project costs. We do not fund capital costs. Charities must be able to produce 2 years of accounts and be able to demonstrate that they have been delivering services to disadvantaged people for at least 2 years and their annual income should be at least £5,000. We do not fund activities for which local or central government are responsible or work with school age children during school hours and a fuller list of exclusions and more information. The independently run Foundation is keen to hear from registered charities that can demonstrate how their work is making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged people and helping them to play a fuller role in the community within Leicestershire. To start the application process please undertake the Lloyds TSB Foundations’ eligibility questionnaire which you can find on their website at If your charity may be eligible to apply you will receive a follow up call from Gary Beharrell, Grant Manager, within 3-4 weeks of your enquiry to discuss your funding need. Lloyds TSB Foundation.pdf
Awards for All from Big Lottery Fund
Awards for All England is a simple small grants scheme making awards of between £300 and £10,000. The Awards for All programme aims to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need. To do this we want to fund projects that meet one or more of the following outcomes – People have better chances in life - with better access to training and development to improve their life skills; Stronger communities - with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems; Improved rural and urban environments - which communities are better able to access and enjoy; Healthier and more active people and communities. For more information and how to apply, follow the attached link: Big Lottery Fund.pdf
Jobs
Clore Social Leadership Programme – open for applications
Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is funding a specialist fellowship for an individual committed to social change, working with marginalised communities in the UK to support integration, social cohesion and social justice. The fellowship programme is an attempt to build leadership capacity in the social sector as the challenges and complexities of leadership in the sector are growing.
The Clore programme is offering up to 20 fellowships to anyone who volunteers, works or who can demonstrate work potential in the social sector, which includes charities, community organisations, social enterprises and cooperatives. It aims to identify, develop and connect aspiring leaders in the wider social sector who seek to benefit individuals and communities across the UK and abroad. PHF's emphasis on capacity building in the social justice sector means that the fellowship will enable, through previous and future Fellows, a useful network and resource for the future. During the programme, successful Fellows will attend residentials, undertake a secondment in a different working environment and carry out a practice-based research project, as well as having access to networking and mentoring opportunities. Fellowships can be undertaken either intensively over 12 months, or part-time over 24 months. The closing date for applications is midday 28 May. To find out more, please follow this link: Clore Social Leadership Programme.pdf