MRN writes for Inside Housing magazine about the problem of expelling homeless European migrants from the UK

Since the early summer MRN, alongside the Immigration Law Practitioners Association and the Advice for Individual Rights in Europe Centre, has been working to raise awareness and generate debate about a new UK Border Agency pilot project which involves the expulsion of homeless European migrants from the UK. Our position is that there is the need for a full review, by Communities and Local Government, of the implementation and impact of this pilot before it is extended elsewhere across the UK, with particular regard to its impact on those migrants who find themselves the subject of enforcement activity.

MRN's receent comment article for Inside Housing magazine highlights the circumstances which may lead to homelessness among EU nationals, and urges consideration of a different response from government:

There has been a flurry of media stories over the past few weeks about the considerable pressures placed on some local authorities by the presence of homeless eastern and central European migrants in the UK.

Reports have also touched upon the operation of a Home Office pilot programme which works with local authorities to remove them from the country - the pilot is likely to be rolled out nationally later this year if judged a success.

To read the full article, click here.

ILPA, AIRE Centre and MRN training session for frontline staff working with homeless EU migrants

Immigration Law Practitioners Association - ILPA, AIRE Centre and Migrants Rights Network are organizing a half-day training session for frontline staff working with homeless EU migrants. This workshop will address legal aspects of the pilot and cover the rights of migrants under the UK law and EU treaties.

The sessions are tailored for people with no or little legal background. At the end of the day we are aiming to equip participants with confidence that they've got a good understanding of the rights available to migrants, and of their responsibility to ensure these are read into the procedures for providing advice, support and services. There will be also time for discussion and Q/A on particular aspects of the pilot through the use of case studies.

We would appreciate if you can forward this invitation to your colleagues in your networks.

 Date: Tuesday, 2 November, 10:30 – 15:30 (including lunch)
Location: Skadden, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5DS
Registration fee: £25 (ILPA and non-ILPA members)
Speakers:

• Adam Weiss(Advice on Individual Rights in Europe – AIRE Centre)
• Adrian Berry(Immigration Law Practitioners Association - ILPA / Garden Court Chambers)

Registration: Please use an ILPA booking form available at http://www.ilpa.org.uk/Bookingform.pdf

Payment must accompany the booking. Please quote booking reference DT 1273 The maximum number of participants per organisation is limited to 4. For any additional information please email info@ilpa.org.uk. The registration deadline is 22 October 2010. Please register early as places are limited.

Send queries and completed registration forms to ILPA at info@ilpa.org.uk