Migrants' Rights

European Union

What are the EU’s new migration rules, and why did they take so long to pass?

— The European Parliament has passed the Pact on Migration and Asylum after almost ten years of impasse since the 2015 crisis. It aims to distribute responsibilities across EU states, offering nations options to host migrants or pay, amidst ongoing debates about refugees’ rights.

COMMENT

Through its immigration policies, the UK government decides whose families are ‘legitimate’

— UK proposes changes to visa rules amid migration panic. Health and care visa holders can’t bring family; British citizens need £38,700 income for non-British families. Policies suggest hierarchy in family legitimacy, impacting migrants and mixed-nationality families.

Immigration

Landmark victory: UK court rules immigration data exemption unlawful

— The Court of Appeal has declared the Immigration Exemption in the Data Protection Act 2018 unlawful, protecting migrants’ fundamental data rights. This triumph reflects years of determined advocacy from the3million and Open Rights Group.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill: How much trouble is the prime minister really in as MPs threaten a parliamentary rebellion?

— The potential significance for Rishi Sunak of losing the Rwanda bill vote, an unusual event, lies in its impact on immigration policy. However, winning the vote isn’t particularly noteworthy, as more challenges are anticipated, including the possibility of rebellion and amendments.

Immigration

Hotels and employment aren’t major ‘pull factors’ for refugees

— UK policies aimed at reducing asylum-seeking through welfare and job restrictions are ineffective, research shows. The key driver for asylum destination choice is existing social networks, not employment or welfare benefits.

EU Citizens

The double punishment of Marcus Decker: A peaceful protester facing deportation after Brexit

— The story of Marcus Decker, a German citizen facing deportation after a peaceful protest, underscores the urgent need to defend everyone’s right to protest.

Migrant Workers

I’ve worked in precarious jobs for more than 10 years – here’s what unions should do to support migrant workers

— Since 2011, I’ve worked in more than 20 precarious workplaces in hospitality, manufacturing and logistics – and I have only seen a union once.

Gig Economy

“I’m always delivering food while hungry” – How undocumented migrants find work as substitute couriers in the UK

— Undocumented workers in the UK’s food delivery sector are at risk due to the misuse of the rider system. A stronger oversight is required to protect vulnerable individuals.

EU Citizens

Judge rules EU citizens’ data rights must be protected

— The3million has prevailed in a court case against the UK government, with the High Court ruling that data protection rights for EU citizens and other migrants must be upheld by law.