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Migrants'
Rights Network (MRN)
We exist to
ensure that our emerging global society recognises and embraces
migration as a key component of economic progress and development,
in the creation of culturally rich and diverse societies, and in
the promotion of human, political, social and economic rights and
gender equality"
Our Background
The need for
the MRN was identified through the discussions and research undertaken
by the Barrow Cadbury Trust funded project: Migrant Community Organisations
in the UK. Over a period of nine months from 2005-2006 the project
explored the possibility for closer collaboration between different
groups working in the migration field. The project laid bare the
need to establish a proper network among groups to enable them to
overcome their isolation, to share information and to increase their
capacity to effectively influence national policy on issues affecting
them.
What we do
The MRN works
to promote the rights of all migrants, regardless of where they
are from, where they live and why they are here. We aim to support
migrant community organisations by helping them to represent themselves
more effectively at all levels. To achieve this we promote dialogue
across different migrant communities to make sure that migrants
can better share information and expertise, building up knowledge
and skills. By delivering up-to-date policy analysis the MRN provides
migrants with a tool for making strategic and informed decisions
about policy and campaign priorities. In developing a dynamic and
diverse network the MRN builds bridges across different sectors
and interests helping to get migrants' voices heard where it matters.
Governance
and Organisation
The MRN is currently
governed by an interim constitution,committee and staff which will
remain in place until a decision is made on how its work can be
made fully accountable to organisations in its network.
The steering
committee Currently consisting of 14 members, with representation
from Scotland, Wales and the English regions of London, the North
West, and the West Midlands. The Steering Committee oversees the
work of the MRN’s staff and volunteers.
Staff members
Details of our
staff members can be found on our contact
us page.
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1 September
2010 |
|
Welcome to the Migrants Rights
News
|
Migrants’ Rights Network is
working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners
in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the
UK. |
In this week’s newsletter (click on section title or scroll down for
more):
by Ruth Grove-White, 27 August 2010
The latest batch of immigration statistics, laying out the figures for
2009, have been reported with outrage in the media. Reports claim that
immigration levels are on the up in the UK, as well as the fears that the
student route is being 'abused'. But a closer look at the figures indicates that
this may all be a bit of a storm in a teacup.
|
by Jan Brulc, 27 August 2010
In what seems to be an attempt to appeal to the typical Sun reader and look
tough on immigration, UK Border Agency has really overstepped the line with
their continuous use of mockery and tabloid style puns in their press releases.
I wonder how does this square with the current anti-discrimination
legislation. |
Migration pulse is a blog space open to guest
reporters. Please note that these reports only represent the opinions of the
writer and not necessarily that of MRN.
by John Perry, 26 August 2010
Following the announcement by the Home Secretary to make prospective
spouses coming to the UK take an English test before they can qualify for a
visa, our guest blogger John Perry explores the practical side of things. Now
that the UKBA has announced how the tests will be done, John takes a look at the
hurdles in the way of migrants wanting to join their spouse in the UK.
3. Upcoming
Events and Initiatives |
When: 7 Sep 2010 - 17:00-19:00
Where: Matrix, Gray's Inn Road, London WC1R 5LN
This seminar organised by the Medical Justice will offer practical advice
on writing medico-legal reports for immigration matters. To RSVP, email Emma
Ginn at Medical Justice: emma.ginn@medicaljustice.org.uk or telephone 07904
778365.
When: 9 Sep 2010 - 9:00
Where: Middlesex University, London
This conference has been organised by Middlesex University and the
Migration and Law Network. It will bring together leading professional and
academic figures to discuss the implications of current policy directions for
migrants. Speakers include Ian Macdonald QC, Steve Symonds (ILPA) and Professor
Jo Shaw (Edinburgh University). The conference has now been accredited with 5
hours CPD by both the SRA and the Bar Standards Board.
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When: 16 Sep 2010 - 11:30-13:00
Where: Institute for Public Policy Research , 4th Floor, 13-14
Buckingham Street, London, WC2N 6DF
Organised by ippr in partnership with the Labour pressure group Progress,
Barbara Roche will be reflecting on Labour’s record along with other key figures
from inside and outside government. |
|
When: 27 Sep 2010 - 10:00-16:30
Where: Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
The Basis Project (initiative led by Refugee Council and Refugee Action) is
organising London Region Conference ‘Supporting Refugee Community Organisations’
(RCOs) role in integration in London’. This conference seeks to encourage
dialogue among representatives of RCOs, funders and policymakers, to generate
practical responses for long-term sustainability of the RCO sector in the
current policy and funding climate. |
|
When: 29 Sep 2010 - 9:30-16:30
Where: 98 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1PJ
Course Outline: This one day course examines the rights of migrants under
UK and European Law. You will be briefed on all the fundamental issues such as
barriers faced by different groups and their respective entitlement to services.
As a participant, you will be given up-to-date knowledge on the housing,
employment and welfare entitlements of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and EU
nationals. This course is highly participative and the course packs are
comprehensive. Who should attend? |
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When: 30 Sep 2010 - 9:30-16:30
Where: PAiH 98 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1PJ
Positive Action in Housing is organisin a course on community engagement.
This course will explain the key steps to help your organisation to effectively
engage with everyone in your areas of operation, particularly with those
communities who are historically under-represented or less likely to participate
as members, workers or service users. |
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When: 3 Nov 2010 - 9:00-17:00
Where: JDE62, 99, Rue Belliard ,Brussels
European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) organising a conference which aims
to bring together representatives of citizens advice organisations and other
NGOs with experience in dealing, at a local level, with the problems of
enforcing European free movement rights for EU citizens and members of their
family. |
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When: 16 Nov 2010 - 8:30-16:30
Where: Golden Cross House, 8 Duncannon Street, London WC2N 4JF
‘Managing Migration in the UK: Tackling the Challenges for Border Security,
the Economy and Our Society’ will discuss the impact of migration on the UK
economy and society and what developments are expected under the new
government. |
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When: 28 Nov 2010 - 5 Dec
2010
Where: European Youth Centre, Budapest, Hungary
This 6 day study session organised by Minorities of Europe will seek to
look into different issues related to migration and especially on migration and
integration of young people and of strategies and approaches young people can
use while working on these issues in their home countries after the study
session. |
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The Office for National Statistics released the Migration Statistics
Quaterly Report, which was accompanied by a Home Office press release and the
National Insurance Number Allocations to Adult Overseas Nationals Entering the
UK. The report presents the final collated statistics for 2009 and the quaterly
numbers for the period between April and June
2010. |
|
The annual celebration of Racial Justice Sunday by Christian Churches in
the UK falls this year on 12th September. The theme for this year is Migration:
Building Bridges or Barriers? To mark the occasion Churches Together In Britain
and Ireland (CTBI) and the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) have
produced a resource pack which can be downloaded from either of their websites.
For further information contact CTBI or CARJ. |
|
Sunday August 29th the Moroccan security forces conducted a heavy raid
against more than one hundred refugees in Oujda. They destroyed or burnt their
simple dwellings in the forests and all their belongings. More than hundred
refugees - women with small children and wounded persons between them - were
kept in small cells during the day; the police took their digital fingerprints
and took photos of all of them. |
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Amnesty International is advertsing the post of Researcher/Adviser on
Refugee and Migrants' Rights. As an adviser in the Refugee and Migrants’ rights
team, you will help shape Amnesty International’s work on migrants rights. You
will conduct research and develop Amnesty International’s (AI) policy positions
on migrants’ rights issues including criminalization, detention and exploitative
labour practices. |
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The UK Border Agency has published a list of approved providers of English
language tests for non-European migrants applying to come to the UK to join or
marry their settled partner. |
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European Network Against Racism (ENAR) has issued a call for proposal for a
publication entitled Integration beyond Migration. The contracted author should
demonstrate extensive knowledge of EU integration policy as well as
anti-discrimination and social inclusion policy. |
|
9 August
2010 |
|
Welcome to the Migrants Rights
News
|
The Migrants’ Rights Network is
working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners
in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the UK. Migrants Rights
News aims to inform our members and other groups working on migration
issues about regional and national policy developments, campaign news, recent
research and upcoming events. |
In this week’s newsletter (click on section title or scroll down for
more):
by Don Flynn, 9 August 2010
There are now no children being held in the immigration detention estate in
the UK. But is this the end of the campaign for the rights of asylum seekers, or
the beginning of a new phase?
by Don Flynn, 5 August 2010
Okay, so we're not quite in the league of 'Laughing Baby' or 'Cat Stuck in
Window', but getting our five hundredth person on the MRN Facebook group is a
nice time to remind you that it's a good way to stay in touch with migrants'
rights news from across the UK. Come and join our
Facebook group.
by Don Flynn, 4 August 2010
Marissa Begonia, one of the leading campaigners with 'J4DW' and a Unite
trade union activist, sets out her views on the major issues confronting
domestic workers in an interview on the International Trade Union Confederation
website.
Migration pulse is a web space open to guest reporters writing on migration
related issues. Please note that these reports are not a part of the official
MRN policy line and represent only the opinions of the writer.
by Martine Zeuthen, 3 August 2010
This second blog is written under the overall theme of the 4 part series
‘Global cycles of Iraqi migration’ and it focuses on the situation in Syria.
When Iraqi refugees arrive to Syria, they most often sign up for assistance and
apply for resettlement in a third country. After having started this process,
they spend their time waiting for news on their case. Martine writes about her
experience of working in a refugee camp in Syria.
3. Upcoming
Events and Initiatives |
For all upcoming events, previously advertised in the newsletter, go to our
Events section of the
website.
When: 3 Oct 2010 - 10:00 - 4 Oct 2010 -
18:00
Where: The Hague, Netherlands
Cities of Migration showcases innovative integration practices from global
cities using a fresh storytelling approach and a compelling message: integration
is a critical dimension of urban prosperity and growth. The first International
Cities of Migration Conference will be convened to address the theme “Migration
to Integration: An Opportunity Agenda for Cities." Find
out more>>
When: 6 Nov 2010 -
19:30
Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London
Consider the Lilies is a concert in celebration of the work of the Helen
Bamber Foundation, which works with survivors of cruelty. World premiere of a
dramatic cantata celebrating resilience and courage in the face of despair. This
will be an extraordinary concert in which refugees perform alongside
internationally renowned soloists, two other choirs and a professional
orchestra. Find
out more>>
Strangers or
Citizens? Refugee and migrant participation in local political processes in
London
The UK’s political approach towards immigration
has changed in response to substantial changes in immigration flows over the
past fifteen years. The rise of diverse migration to the UK was met by
increasing public concern about immigration and the ‘changing face of
Britain’.
In the context of increased immigration
policy-makers put the emphasis on ‘community cohesion’, within which new
communities are expected to take an active role in fitting in with local
communities. MRN and MRCF believe that Migrant community organisations have a
hugely important role to play in shaping local and regional networks to
influence stakeholders and policies affecting migrants.  Download the full
report
Written by two leading authorities on refugee law (Mark Symes and Peter
Jorro), Asylum Law and Practice, Second Edition is a detailed exposition of the
law relating to international protection. In a single volume, Asylum Law and
Practice, Second Edition, addresses all aspects of claiming asylum and the
processing of protection claims, from the New Asylum Model to appeals in the
Upper Tribunal. Read
more>>
Evelyn Oldfield Unit has published a new report entitled Refugee and
Migrant Community organisations in 2009. This report is the first of an annual
series considering the current state of the refugee and migrant community sector
in London. Read
more>>
AIRE Centre, ILPA and MRN are looking to mount a test legal case after 13
homeless European nationals were forcibly removed from the UK. The people were
removed as part of a UK
Border Agency pilot project in which it staked out soup runs and other
places homeless people congregate. The pilot sees the UKBA issue letters advising homeless EU nationals to go
to the police station to prove they are working, in education or
self-sufficient. If they fail to provide proof, they can be forced to leave the
UK. ILPA, AIRE Centre and MRN have published two
advice notes outlining why this scheme of coercive expulsion could be ruled
unlawful and why it needs to be challenged.
On 30 July 2010, the UK Border Agency published new versions of the
application forms under the points-based system. These forms, which refer to
biometric residence permits instead of identity cards for foreign nationals, are
for use from 31 July 2010. Read
more>>
Kingston University is announcing a studentship for a PhD in statelessness
and environmental displacement. Studentships are full time (3 years for PhD) and
include a stipend of £14,200 per annum and tuition fees for a Home/EU student
(£3,600 per annum). Read
more>>
Doctors of the world are looking for a Case support worker (unpaid) and an
Events intern (paid). The application deadline is 13 August. Read
more>>
A leaked UKBA internal document revealed that families with children facing
removal are to be given a two-week ultimatum to leave the country voluntarily.
If they fail to go they will be told they will be deported "at some point"
within the next two weeks, sometimes without being given a specific date or time
to get ready. Read
more>>
A statement has been issued by 28 organisations, including MRN, calling on
the government to reform the immigration detention. The statement calls for
major reforms to the current policy on the detention of migrants by
UKBA. Read
more>>
Two final conferences signposted the end of two European Commission 7th
Framework Programme Research Projects on Gender and Migration
(2008-2010). Read
more>>
"Do you have a Big Idea to change lives or transform your community?"
Praxis Community Projects are here to take your idea seriously and open new
doors. Welcome to Rayne Fellowships for Refugees, a fantastic opportunity for
refugees living in the UK with a Big Idea that, with the right help, could be
brought to flower.
|
26 July
2010 |
|
Welcome to the Migrants Rights
News
|
The Migrants’ Rights Network is
working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners
in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the UK. Migrants Rights
News aims to inform our members and other groups working on migration
issues about regional and national policy developments, campaign news, recent
research and upcoming events. |
In this week’s newsletter (click on section title or scroll down for
more):
by Don Flynn, 26 July 2010
Don has been reading a book which recounts the campaigning work leading
to the race equality laws we have today. He asks if those working for the rights
of migrants should be learning some of these lessons.
The complex, messy societies we live in often seem to be
swamps of seething discontent and injustice. Migrants know this better than
most, roped off as they usually are from the array of rights which make life
just about bearable for those who lucky enough to be certified as ‘insiders’ –
aka ‘citizens’.
by Ruth Grove-White, 22 July 2010
Changes to legal aid, home office and ministry of justice budget cuts
and the new policies of the coalition government spell out (more) headaches for
immigration advisors and lawyers in the UK...
These are tough times for immigration lawyers and advisors, as shown by the
lively discussion at the annual conference yesterday of the Immigration Advisory
Service (IAS), one of the charities giving legal advice and representation to
migrants in the UK.
Read
more and post your comments>>
by Pamela Castro, 21 July 2010
Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) is supported by a majority of
stakeholders and there is strong evidence that they have been effective at
reducing exploitation and raising labour rights standards for workers. However
they face difficulties in communicating with workers, due to GLA's development
of joint enforcement actions with the UKBA and workers reluctance to come
forward for fear of repercussions from their employers.
The challenges in protecting the rights of migrant workers were aired and
discussed at the most recent meeting of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority
(GLA), which I went along to in Coventry on 9 June. The latest meeting of the
Worker Representative Liaison Group hoped to address the conflicting and
contradictory issues that the agency faces when applying legislation in place to
protect workers, many of them migrants, from exploitative practices.
Migration pulse is a web space open to guest reporters and everyone is
invited to write and give opinion on migration related issues. Please note that
these reports are not a part of the official MRN policy line and represent only
the opinions of the writer. If you wish to contribute to the debate please join
in the discussion by adding your comments. If you would like to write a report,
please contact us at our email.
by Martine Zeuthen, 20 July 2010
This 4 part series of blogs by our guest writer Martine Zeuthen looks at
different experiences of Iraqis who are seeking to build their lives in safety
outside their home country. This first article focuses on regional migration,
where Iraqis are fleeing to the neighbouring countries with the hope of getting
asylum in a third country, but never receive it.
In 2007 I was with a project manager from the Danish Institute for Human
Rights on my way to a third interview with an Iraqi asylum seeker called Samir.
Samir was going to tell us his story and how he had ended up in Denmark. A year
later I met Samir again in Syria. Since I met him in Denmark he had been sent
back to Iraq and had again fled the country. He was now in Syria figuring out
his next move. Samir is not the only one in this situation. Many Iraqi refugees
are on a constant move all around the world with the hope of finding a better
future.
3. Upcoming
Events and Initiatives |
For all upcoming events, previously advertised in the newsletter, go to our
Events section of the
website.
When: 11 Aug 2010 - 9:30-16:30
Where: Positive Action in Housing, 98 West George Street, Glasgow,
G2 1PJ
This one day course examines the rights of migrants under UK and European
Law. You will be briefed on all the fundamental issues such as barriers faced by
different groups and their respective entitlement to services. As a participant,
you will be given up-to-date knowledge on the housing, employment and welfare
entitlements of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and EU nationals. This course
is highly participative and the course packs are comprehensive. Read
more>>
When: 24 Aug 2010 - 9:30-16:30
Where: Action in Housing, 98 West George Street, Glasgow, G2
1PJ
This course will give you an understanding of the signs and symptoms of the
most common forms of mental illness. You will explore the range of factors in
people’s lives that can have a negative impact on their mental health. You will
also explore the additional pressures which can affect people from refugee and
new migrant communities. You will be able to identify appropriate support for
those with mental health problems. Read
more>>
When: 25 Aug 2010 - 18:30 - 23:30
Where: ndover Estate Community Centre, Andover Estate, London, N7
7RY
Medical justice is organising its Annual General Meeting
entitled Feast for Freedom. They will be reflecting on their activities in 2010,
but the focus will be on celebrating the release of Medical Justice patients
from detention with a feast of food from countries including the UK, Iran,
Afghanistan, Jamaica, Uganda, Colombia, and DR Congo. Read
more>>
When: 16 Oct 2010 - 10:00 - 18:00
Where: University of London Union, Malet Street, London WC1
This conference will present new research on issues related to the
points-based immigration system (PBIS) as it affects Further and Higher
Education. This is a system that unfairly restricts the ability of international
students and staff to come to the UK, turns staff into immigration officials and
treats international students as potential threats to national security. This event is free of charge; registration details to
follow. Read
more>>
Asylum Aid has published the latest edition of Women's
Asylum News.You can download a copy from their website.
The ERT's new report “Unravelling Anomaly: Detention, Discrimination and the
Protection Needs of Stateless Persons” was recently launched. The press releae,
the executive summary and the full report are available on
their website . The report finds that inequality and
discrimination lie at the heart of the statelessness problem, as does the
eternal tug-of-war between universal human rights and national sovereignty.
Read
more>>
Asylum Aid has recently increased the scope of our work to include stateless
persons, both providing them with legal representation and advocating for their
protection. They are now seeking the following consultancy support for the first
stage on a major research project on statelessness in the UK, undertaken jointly
with UNHCR. They are recruiting for a Senior Legal Researcher who will lead the
legal elements of the research project and a Demographer/Statistician to lead
the statistical elements of the research project.
Read
more>>
London Refugee Voice are looking to recruit a Treasurer to the Board to meet
6 times a year and to expand the range of skills governing the organisation and
its activities. They are interested in receiving applications from those with a
financial background.
Read
more>>
Joseph Rowntree forced labour research is looking to recruit migrants who
have been exploited at work. The research will be carried out by independent
researchers based at the Universityof Bristol, looking at worker abuse and
exploitation.
Read
more>>
The UKBA has now published guidance and an application form for refugees
applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. The guidance refers to
Refugees who were granted refugee status or humanitarian protection after 30
August 2005. The Refugee Council and other refugee agencies are in discussions
with the UKBA about the details of the process, and will have further
information on this soon; in the meantime the guidance and the application form
are available on the UKBA website .
The UK Border Agency has issued new policy guidance following the judgments
in the cases of Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA
Civ 719.This was laid down in a new Statement of Changes (HC 382) that
incorporates the parts of the Points Based System policy guidance ruled unlawful
in the Pankina and English UK cases.
Read
more>>
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees – The Refugee Council has
announced that Dr. Julian Huppert MP for Cambridge (Lib Dem) will be the new
Chair for the APPG on Refugees. The next meeting is likely to be in September
or October. Dr. Huppert is also a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee
and the Joint Committee on Human Rights.
|
19 July
2010 |
|
Welcome to the Migrants Rights
News
|
The Migrants’ Rights Network is
working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners
in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the UK. Migrants Rights
News aims to inform our members and other groups working on migration
issues about regional and national policy developments, campaign news, recent
research and upcoming events. |
In this week’s newsletter (click on section title or scroll down for
more):
by Don Flynn, 19 July 2010
Home Office plans to introduce pre-arrival English language tests for
the spouses and partners of people settled in the UK are being challenged by two
British women who have good reason to know what is at stake with this
proposal.
Emily Churchill and Sophie Brown told the stories of their own efforts to
bring their husbands to join them in the UK, respectively on the Guardian Comment is Free and MRN’s Migration
Pulse websites back in June. Sign
the campaign>>
by Juan Camilo, 16 July 2010
Firstly lump together everybody born outside the UK as ‘migrants’, even
though around 40% of them have a British passport, then take areas of London
where migrants have made up a large proportion of the whole population for a
long time and with some creative use of statistics the labour market is indeed
ruled by "foreigners".
A few days ago, around the time when the interim cap for non-EU migrant
workers was being announced, The Sun published a piece with the alarming headline ‘Migrants rule
Brit workforce’. It cited ONS figures to state that ‘the workforce in some towns
and cities across the country is dominated by foreign-born employees’ and went
on to suggest that ‘the focus of employers and the Government should be to find
jobs for out of work Brits.’ Read
more and post your comments>>
by Ruth Grove-White, 16 July 2010
Government thinking on a cap on non-EU economic immigration has now been
released - and three separate consultations to develop and scrutinise this
proposal are underway. The biggest challenge for the government and its advisors
will be to find a workable solution to put into practice an idea which has
received criticism from all sides...
On 28th June, home secretary Teresa May announced that progress
towards the introduction of an annual cap on non-EU economic migrants is now
underway, in order to ‘reduce immigration to the levels of the 1990s – tens of
thousands rather than hundreds of thousands’. Three separate consultations have
been launched on the cap – by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), the Migration
Advisory Committee and the Home Affairs Select Committee - to variously develop
and scrutinise the details of how such a cap will be designed, including the
numbers involved, and implemented in practice. They offer a useful opportunity
to explore wider questions about the implications of limiting skilled and highly
skilled immigration to the UK - both for the UK economy and for migrants
themselves. Read
more and post your comments>>
2. Upcoming
Events and Initiatives |
For all upcoming events, previously advertised in the newsletter, go to our
Events section of the
website.
When: 20 Jul 2010 -
19:30
Where: The Carriageworks, Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
Ice and Fire, a group exploring human rights stories through performance is
launching a new Outreach script "On a Clear Day You Can See Dover". It weaves
together true stories of migrants living destitute in Calais who are hoping to
come to the UK. The show premieres in Leeds on 20th July. (there is another
showing in London - see below) Read
more>>
When: 21 Jul 2010 - 9:30-13:00
Where: Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS
This meeting will be held under the auspices of the GLA’s ‘Refugee
Integration Strategy’; convened by SERTUC (The TUC in London, the South East and
Eastern region). For more information please contact Laurie Heselden - Regional
Campaigns and Policy Officer at SERTUC (020 7467 1292
or lheselden@tuc.org.uk) Read
more>>
When: 25 Jul 2010 - 14:00-17:00
Where: LARC, 62 Fieldgate ST, Whitechapel, E1 1ES
London Catholic worker (LCW) have been given use of a house and church in
Manor House for 2 years and aim to create a nightshelter for migrants without
recourse to public funds. The space will be available during the day and could
provide a great location for a resource centre. Come to the LCW meeting to talk
about how to make this possible, and shape what kind of a space is
created. Read
more>>
When: 28 Jul 2010 -
19:30
Where: Wilton's Music Hall, London, E1 8JB
Ice and Fire, a group exploring human rights stories through performance is
launching a new Outreach script "On a Clear Day You Can See Dover". It weaves
together true stories of migrants living destitute in Calais who are hoping to
come to the UK. Read
more>>
When: 6 Aug 2010 - 13:00-15:00
Where: Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
The Migration Advisory Committee - MAC will run two events in London for
corporate partners who would like to discuss the consultation. A representative
from the UK Border Agency will also be present to explain the Government’s
consultation. The dates are Friday 6 and Friday 13 August, and the timing will
be 1pm to 3pm. Read
more>>
When: 2 Sep 2010 - 10:00-17:30
Where: International Slavery Museum, Liverpool
This one-day seminar, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council,
is the second in the Middlesex University series examining emerging issues of
global labour regulation. The seminar will be divided into two sessions. The
first, thematic session, will examine alternative perspectives on migrant
workers rights. The second session will present case studies from different
world regions. Read
more>>
When: 13 Sep 2010 - 14:00 - 18:00
Where: TUC, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS
This seminar/workshop which will report on the findings of a three-year
ESRC research project conducted by Dr Jane Holgate, Janroj Keles and Leena
Kumarappan on the topic of minority ethnic workers in London.
There will be short presentations from the speakers but also lots of time
for discussion about the issues facing people who have problems at work and the
extent to which they are able to access help and advice. Read
more>>
MRCF (Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum) and MRN (Migrants' Rights
Network) have published a new analysis of the active citizenship proposal.
The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 introduced a longer and
more difficult process for becoming a British Citizen. However the then
Government also proposed an option for those who wished to shorten this process
called ‘active citizenship’, a type of regulated community volunteering that may
come into force in 2011.
Under this scheme prospective citizens will need to show evidence that they
have done voluntary work. So far though, there has been no detailed government
plan about how this proposal might be implemented. MRN and MRCF suggest
withdrawing the Active Citizenship proposal and put forward alternative
suggestions.
Accordign to a new report by OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development) international migration has fallen during the economic crisis,
but as the recovery moves into gear migrants will once again be needed to fill
labour and skill shortages. Beyond the short-term impact of the crisis,
immigration will continue to play a vital role for OECD economies in the long
term because of the need for extra workers to maintain growth and
prosperity. Read
more>>
Greater London Authority (GLA) has published a short questionnaire to
Migrant & Refugee Community Organisations (MRCOs) to gather some information
to help them make a case for more effective and sustainable funding for MRCOs,
through better understanding of their role in integration. This questionnaire is
intended for London based organisations only. Read
more>>
City of Sanctuary is recruiting a new part-time National Co-ordinator to
take over the role of supporting and developing the City of Sanctuary movement
throughout the UK. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with vision and
enthusiasm to play a key role in this growing social movement to build a culture
of hospitality for people seeking sanctuary.
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12 July
2010 |
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Welcome to the Migrants Rights
News
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The Migrants’ Rights Network is
working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners
in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the UK. Migrants Rights
News aims to inform our members and other groups working on migration
issues about regional and national policy developments, campaign news, recent
research and upcoming events. |
In this week’s newsletter (click on section title or scroll down for
more):
by Ruth Grove-White, 12 July 2010
The recent English UK v Secretary of State for the Home Department case has
provided a useful challenge to the Points Based System, finding that application
requirements which constitute a “a substantive criterion for eligibility for
admission or leave to remain”, must undergo Parliamentary scrutiny before being
introduced, rather than being brought in via the back door. Read
more and post your comments>>
2. Upcoming
Events and Initiatives |
For all upcoming events, previously advertised in the newsletter, go to our
Events section of the
website.
When: 14 July 2010 - 10:00-16:00
Where: 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6NG
Migrants Together! will be the first national gathering of members
and associates of Migrants' Rights
Scotland , a newly formed, migrant-led organisation
which works for a rights-based approach to migration, supporting migrants and
their community organisations in developing skills to influence the policies
that shape their lives here.
The day's gathering will spotlight migrants' voices and life situations.
It will also feature the launch of a Communication Strategies Project through
which migrant volunteers will collaborate to establish a communications platform
to support a progresssive debate on migration and to feed Scottish perspectives
into policy and advocacy debates in the UK. The event is free, but you should register
online to book a space.
When: 21 July 2010 - 9:00-17:00
Where: South Bank University, Keyworth Street, London
IAS conference discussing developments in immigration; asylum and human
rights law. In attendance are both high profile speakers and leading experts in
their respective fields. For further information and conference brochure please
CLICK HERE or contact Abu Hasan on 020 7967 6044 or email conference@iasuk.org
When: 23 July 2010 - 18:00-21:00
Where: Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA
Join the Evelyn Oldfield Unit’s Special Celebration. This event is open to
anyone with an interest in the work of the Unit. Refreshments will be provided.
If you wish to reserve a place, please call on 020 7700 8213 or email administrator@evelynoldfield.co.uk .
When: 6 Aug 2010 - 13:00-15:00
Where: Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
The Migration Advisory Committee - MAC will run two events in London for
corporate partners who would like to discuss the consultation. A representative
from the UK Border Agency will also be present to explain the Government’s
consultation. The dates are Friday 6 and Friday 13 August, and the timing will
be 1pm to 3pm. Read
more>>
BID and The Children’s Society welcoming the new Government’s commitment to
ending the detention of children for immigration purposes have submitted their
response to the review of the policy. Both charities have repeatedly condemned
the inhumane practice of immigration detention of children which seriously harms
children’s physical and mental health.
On 7 July 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that homosexual asylum seekers
should be granted refugee status if going back to their homeland would result in
them being forced to conceal their sexuality or face persecution for living
openly as a gay person. Five supreme court justices said gay and lesbian asylum
seekers should not be expected to "exercise discretion" in their home countries
to avoid persecution. Read
more>>
According to the Law Society Gazette the High Court has rejected a bid to
allow collapsed immigration advice charity Refugee and Migrant Justice to carry
on representing its clients until their cases are transferred to other firms.
Eight clients of RMJ, which went into administration last month, had sought a
judicial review of the Legal Services Commission’s decision to terminate RMJ’s
contract without adequate steps being taken to ensure their continued
representation. But Mr Justice Mitting said last week that there was nothing
‘unlawful or irrational’ in the transfer arrangements made by the LSC. Read
more>>
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is advertising two internships to start
in September. They are looking for two enthusiastic individuals to support the
work of the STAR national team in the role of Events and Training Internship and
Campaigns Internship. Read
more>>
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5 July
2010 |
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Welcome to the Migrants Rights
News
|
The Migrants’ Rights Network is
working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners
in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the UK. Migrants Rights
News aims to inform our members and other groups working on migration
issues about regional and national policy developments, campaign news, recent
research and upcoming events. |
In this week’s newsletter (click on section title or scroll down for
more):
by Ruth Grove-White, 4 July 2010
As the Belgian presidency of the EU begins, it is worth considering the
scope for building a migrants rights agenda into the development of EU
immigration and asylum policy.
On the 1st July Belgium took over the six-month presidency of
the European Union, celebrated last night by a celebration branded ‘I love EU’
in one of the city’s main squares. It is a good moment to reflect on the
position of migrants under current EU policy – and to consider the changes that
may lie on the horizon. Read
more and post your comments>>
by Don Flynn, 2 July 2010
Don Flynn asks whether we should be allowing our policy debates on
immigration to be dictated by Malthusian fears of growing population
numbers.
It is increasingly clear that the coalition government’s immigration
policies are going to be informed by the population pessimism which regards
growth at the level of the ONS’s upper predictions of 70 million people by 2031
as the very worst fate that could befall the United Kingdom.
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So what are your thoughts on the population debate?
|
2. Upcoming
Events and Initiatives |
For all upcoming events, previously advertised in the newsletter, go to our
Events section of the
website.
When: 10 July 2010 - 12:00-18:00
Where: Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, London, E2 9PA
Migrants’ Rights Network invites you to join us at the New Voices Festival.
New Voices is a free, outdoor festival organised by Praxis Community Projects in
partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Museum of
Childhood. The aim of the festival is to celebrate the contribution of new
communities to life in London, especially in the East End. MRN will be there
presenting our new London report - "Migrant Capital"!
When: 14 July 2010 - 10:00-16:00
Where: 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6NG
"Migrants Together!" will be the first national gathering of members and
associates of Migrants' Rights
Scotland , a newly formed, migrant-led organisation
which works for a rights-based approach to migration, supporting migrants and
their community organisations in developing skills to influence the policies
that shape their lives here. The day's gathering will spotlight migrants' voices and life situations.
It will also feature the launch of a Communication Strategies Project through
which migrant volunteers will collaborate to establish a communications platform
to support a progresssive debate on migration and to feed Scottish perspectives
into policy and advocacy debates in the UK. The event is free, but you should register
online to book a space.
To mark the second anniversary of the Charter, Asylum Aid has
published a report entitled the Charter of Rights of Women Seeking Asylum 2
years on: impacts and actions. This report showcases the range of activities
undertaken by Charter endorsers around the UK and demonstrates the
progress made so far towards a gender-sensitive asylum system. You can download the report here (pdf
format).
Individual supporters and funders have donated £25,000 over six weeks to
save the Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees (ICAR) from definite
closure. More than £3,000 came via cheques and online donations given by
concerned members of the public and small organisations. ICAR, previously based
at London City University, was to become a casualty of higher education sector
cuts when the university announced its inability to house the centre in April
2010. Read
more>>
As part of the evaluation of the website for new arrivals to the West Midlands, researchers at Keele
University are undertaking a survey of service providers. The survey is a vital
part of the evaluation project as the results will be used to influence future
development of the website. Crucially, in a time of economic cuts, the evidence
provided by the survey is essential for establishing the demand for information
and guidance provision.
On July 2 at the European Parliament on the occasion of the 20th
anniversary year of the UN Migrant Workers Convention, December18 launched the campaign:
“Europe it’s Time to Ratify the Migrant Workers Convention.” Demanding the
European Union to live up to its core values, all 27 Member States of the EU are
called upon to ratify this core international human rights instrument.
MEPs Sonia Alfano, of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and
Democrats for Europe, Judith Sargentini, of the Group of the
Greens/European Free Alliance and Marie Christine Vergiat, of the
Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left presented the
initiative and committed themselves to spread the information about the petition
campaign.
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Moving Up
Immigrants into
Entrepreneurship
|
Project
e–zine
Issue 2, May 2010 |
 |
Dress for success: establishing a design business in Germany
Yadviga Afesskaya comes from the Ukraine and has lived in Germany since 1996.
She is a trained designer, a bespoke tailor, milliner (hat-maker) and furrier
(fur clothes-maker). She has successfully set up and established enterprises in
both the Ukraine and, more recently, in Germany.
However, despite her skills and experience, her venture into self employment
in Germany was rather slow.
Read
more>> |
|
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Spotlight on… Getting foreign qualifications and experience recognised
abroad
Many people moving to another country have extensive professional skills and
qualifications, expanded through their career in their home country. But the
first challenge for would be entrepreneurs and migrant workers can be getting
their qualifications and experience recognised in an unfamiliar labour market or
business environment.
Read
more>> |
 |
EU-IMMINENT project update…
Since the project launch in October 2008, the EU-IMMINENT project partners
have been busy developing a transnational online training resource. It aims to
support immigrants wishing to start up a business in one of five European Union
countries: UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland and Romania.
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More reading, projects, resources…
Moving Up, the EU-IMMINENT project e-zine will cover issues related
to migrant entrepreneurialism in Europe on a bi-annual basis, and review the
work of the EU-IMMINENT project, until winter 2010. It is edited by Ruth
Grove-White from the Migrants’ Rights Network.
If you have any feedback or contributions you’d like to make to the
EU-IMMINENT e-zine, please just let us know by e-mailing Ruth at r.grove-white@migrantsrights.org.uk.
In particular, news, web-links or useful reports from across the EU would be
welcomed for future e-zine editions. |
|
The Migrants’ Rights Network is
working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners
in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the UK.
Migrants’ Rights News aims to inform our members and other groups working
on migration issues about regional and national policy developments, campaign
news, recent research and upcoming events. |
Launch of Negotiators Guide on immigration checks and
raids
Ever tried an immigration officer’s uniform on for size? Unless you’ve
worked for the UK Border Agency itself, we would imagine probably not.
But if you’re an employer in the UK, you are supposed to have been getting
pretty familiar with the business of checking immigration documents,
particularly since tougher regulations on irregular working came into force in
February 2008. The hike in UKBA workplace raids since then has also increased
the spotlight on workers’ immigration status.
Bringing immigration enforcement into British workplaces, the Government
has presented new challenges to activists, trade unions, migrants, migrant
organisations and employers.
These challenges can only be met with proactive negotiation with employers
to ensure that only necessary document checks are carried out, and that these
are carried out consistently and fairly. This should deny any unscrupulous
employer the opportunity to exploit migrant workers, to divide workers or to
threaten those that stand up for their rights.
Migrants' Rights Network
Suite 2, Second Floor, Royal London House, 22-25
Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
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