Regional Report on Migration [April 2024] – from Migration Yorkshire

Changes:

1. Migration Statistics and Trends:
   • The Home Office published updated migration statistics, revealing shifts in skilled worker visas toward the health and social care sector, alongside a notable increase in family visas.
   • Analysis from the Migration Observatory indicates changes in visa policies, such as restrictions on dependents for health and care worker visas, and an increase in the minimum salary threshold for skilled workers.
   • Immigration fees have risen, with examples provided to illustrate the potential costs for visa applicants.
2. Borders and Immigration Policy:
   • Legislative progress is noted on the Safety of Rwanda Bill, with associated publications and debates.
   • Inspection reports from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration cover various aspects, including Afghan resettlement schemes and asylum casework.
   • New parliamentary briefings and reports highlight changes in visa rules, health surcharge increases, and the implications of the Rwanda policy.
3. Asylum:
   • The Home Office paused processing certain inadmissible asylum claims following a Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda scheme’s legality.
   • Plans to close asylum hotels and implement stricter accommodation policies have been announced.
   • Research on LGBTQI+ experiences in asylum accommodation and the asylum backlog provides insight into ongoing challenges.
4. Refugee Resettlement:
   • Amendments and closures are detailed in the Ukraine Scheme, indicating shifts in government policy.
   • Evaluation documents on resettlement routes offer insights into program effectiveness.
5. Trafficking and Modern Slavery:
   • Several new research publications focus on exploitation risks for different migrant groups, including those arriving via visa schemes.
   • Reports highlight the impact of hostile environment policies on modern slavery survivors and call for legal reforms.
6. Children and Young People:
   • Criticisms of legislative measures affecting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are raised, alongside concerns about missing episodes and vulnerability to exploitation.
   • Reports emphasize the impact of immigration status on young people’s experiences and highlight issues with age assessment methods.

Remained the Same:

1. Migration Statistics and Trends:
   • Migration Yorkshire continues to provide updated data through its interactive dashboards.
2. Borders and Immigration Policy:
   • Continuation of debates and analysis on various immigration-related bills and policies.
3. Asylum:
   • Ongoing scrutiny of asylum accommodation and support systems.
   • Continued examination of asylum backlog and related policy challenges.
4. Refugee Resettlement:
   • Efforts to support refugees through transitional accommodation arrangements and evaluation of resettlement programs persist.
5. Trafficking and Modern Slavery:
   • Focus on identifying and addressing exploitation risks for vulnerable migrant groups remains consistent.
6. Children and Young People:
   • Persistent concerns about the impact of immigration policies on unaccompanied minors and their access to support services.

Overall, while there have been updates and developments in various aspects of migration policy and practice, many challenges and issues remain unchanged, indicating ongoing efforts and debates within the UK’s migration landscape.”