Blog
undocumented migrants
Oct 17, 2011
7 Comment(s)
The latest report from the Migration Observatory, out today, is a useful addition to the knowledge base on public opinion and migration – but it raises some difficult questions about attitudes towards ‘illegal migration’ too.
Given that public opinion is such a major driver of political decision-making on immigration, there are a surprising number of craters in detailed understanding of it. It is well-reported that the majority of the public would like to see less immigration to the UK. And policy measures such as the immigration cap and restrictions on family members, students and irregular migrants are all directly aimed at addressing concerns by reducing numbers of migrants.
Given that public opinion is such a major driver of political decision-making on immigration, there are a surprising number of craters in detailed understanding of it. It is well-reported that the majority of the public would like to see less immigration to the UK. And policy measures such as the immigration cap and restrictions on family members, students and irregular migrants are all directly aimed at addressing concerns by reducing numbers of migrants.
Oct 10, 2011
37 Comment(s)
Here's my quick blast based on a speed read of what Mr Cameron said today about his next plans for UK immigration policy. Your views and comments are most welcome.....
The immediate responses to Mr Cameron’s speech on immigration today seem to be concerned with his reference to new laws outlawing forced marriages, increasing the earnings limit for family settlement, and the call on people to report “suspected illegal migrants” to the UK Border Agency through the Crimestoppers phone line.
The immediate responses to Mr Cameron’s speech on immigration today seem to be concerned with his reference to new laws outlawing forced marriages, increasing the earnings limit for family settlement, and the call on people to report “suspected illegal migrants” to the UK Border Agency through the Crimestoppers phone line.
Oct 7, 2011
5 Comment(s)
In the same week that Theresa May restated her commitment to restricting the human rights of people liable for deportation, the Brussels-based charity PICUM held a conference which highlighted the desperate reality of irregular status for many children in the UK.
The conference, organised jointly by charities PICUM and Praxis, was called Building Strategies to Protect Children in an Irregular Migration Situation in Europe’. It drew together local authorities, public service providers and charities to highlight the available evidence about undocumented migrant children in the UK. In particular the focus was on the estimated 100-150,000 undocumented migrant children in the UK.
The conference, organised jointly by charities PICUM and Praxis, was called Building Strategies to Protect Children in an Irregular Migration Situation in Europe’. It drew together local authorities, public service providers and charities to highlight the available evidence about undocumented migrant children in the UK. In particular the focus was on the estimated 100-150,000 undocumented migrant children in the UK.
Jun 27, 2011
1 Comment(s)
International law says that a person who had experienced violence or whose life has been endangered by the conditions of their transportation should be afforded protection as a victim of the crime of trafficking. But national regulations still treat many people who have gone through this as perpetrators rather than victims. Why is this the case, and how can we press the case for treatment more conscious of the need to protect human rights?
Attending a three-day workshop in Bangkok last week, on the ‘Smuggling Framework’ provided me with the best opportunity in a long while to consider the mounting tensions in international law and policy practice in tackling the problems of people caught up in the business of smuggling and trafficking. The workshop was jointly organised by the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW)and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Taking place in Thailand, it was able to consider migration in a part of the world where the standard of regulation is very poor and regional cooperation through the ASEANgroup still very rudimentary.
Attending a three-day workshop in Bangkok last week, on the ‘Smuggling Framework’ provided me with the best opportunity in a long while to consider the mounting tensions in international law and policy practice in tackling the problems of people caught up in the business of smuggling and trafficking. The workshop was jointly organised by the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW)and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Taking place in Thailand, it was able to consider migration in a part of the world where the standard of regulation is very poor and regional cooperation through the ASEANgroup still very rudimentary.
May 15, 2011
News accounts are full of stories about the dangers migrants are in during the fighting in Libya and the tensions across North Africa. But the origins of this peril extend to a period before the outbreak of fighting, to a time when some governments worked actively with Gaddafi to contain the movement of people across the Mediterranean region.
Questions are being raised about the fate of 700 immigrants detained in a prison facility in the south eastern Libyan town of Al Kufrah which was constructed with money provided by the Italian government in 2005. Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi are reported to have seized the town from rebel fighters at the end of April.
Questions are being raised about the fate of 700 immigrants detained in a prison facility in the south eastern Libyan town of Al Kufrah which was constructed with money provided by the Italian government in 2005. Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi are reported to have seized the town from rebel fighters at the end of April.
Twitter
Facebook
RSS Feed
Youtube
Flickr