Immigration roundup: May 2024

Free Movement

Here is your May round up of Free Movement. In this episode Colin and Sonia look at the latest immigration, asylum and trafficking statistics, including discussion of the fee waiver backlog. They also cover the latest on “safe and legal” routes for those in Afghanistan and Gaza. Sonia nerds it up over archived Home Office guidance and we cover several new cases. The episode ends with a discussion of the upcoming general election and some hopes (and some lack of hope) for a new government.

The 35 minute podcast follows the running order below:

Asylum (00:20)

Home Office statistics link drop in asylum grant rate to Nationality and Borders Act 2022

Trafficking statistics show positive decisions by the immigration enforcement competent authority are at a record low

Inspection report on Afghan resettlement schemes reveals another secret pause on processing cases

Upper Tribunal finds guidance for those unable to travel from Gaza to enrol biometrics is unlawful

Asylum seekers on Diego Garcia granted bail to access limited areas of the island

Procedure (17:10)

How to access old versions of Home Office guidance and identify any changes

A varied application can be refused where false representations were used in the original application

Human rights (19:40)

Court of Appeal finds that damages may be payable to those subject to ‘no recourse to public funds’ delays

High Court dismisses challenge to lack of legal aid for Windrush compensation scheme

Detention (24:50)

Adults at Risk guidance changed from 21 May 2024 to allow more vulnerable people to be detained

High Court finds use of electronic monitoring to be unlawful

Updated (28:20)

What safe and legal routes are available for refugees to come to the United Kingdom?

The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa

Appendix Settlement Protection: indefinite leave to remain for people granted refugee status or humanitarian protection

What is the 20 year rule on long residence and other private life applications?

Briefing: how does the 10 year route in Appendix Long Residence work?