The report is available to read here: appgmigration.org.uk/the-effects-...

She noted the report’s recommendation that the Government consider limiting the NRPF condition to five years for those on settlement routes. It also suggested extending child benefit to migrant families with NRPF and expanding funded childcare for working migrant parents.

She referred to a joint inquiry by us and the APPG on Poverty and Inequality titled The Effects of UK Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Policy on Poverty, which found that migrants typically face higher poverty rates and greater levels of deprivation than UK-born individuals.

Blake highlighted the broad impacts of poverty on migrant children, including food insecurity, poor housing, education barriers, health issues, and limited social development. She challenged claims that NRPF promotes integration, arguing it entrenches isolation and vulnerability.

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is a policy that prevents many migrants in the UK from accessing most welfare benefits, like Universal Credit, child benefit, or social housing. It applies to people with certain visa types or immigration statuses.

This event was an opportunity for members of the APPG on Migration to explore key issues, share perspectives, and discuss potential solutions to improve border and immigration management.

Drawing on his extensive experience and findings from inquiries into the Home Office’s performance, Mr. Neal shared his insights into the operational and institutional challenges faced by the Department.

Other speakers, including Monique Hawkins (The 3 Million), Denisa Gannon (Central England Law Centre), and Olga Fuseini (University of Sheffield) highlighted the bureaucratic challenges, risks of exploitation, and the critical role of community support in addressing these ongoing issues.

Mihai Bica Calin from the Roma Support Group and Dr. Owen Parker from the University of Sheffield presented their research on the struggles Roma EU citizens face with the EU Settlement Scheme, particularly in proving continuous residence, using digital status, and accessing support services.

The event was chaired by Olivia Blake MP and was also in partnership with the Roma Support Group and University of Sheffield.

She suggested that if this information is not provided, and questions about the site's safety remain, then evacuation should be considered.

She highlighted the need for transparency, stating that the Home Office should clarify the actions taken to address the issue, provide public health guidance to residents, and inform organisations supporting them.

Lord German also urged allowing asylum seekers to work while awaiting decisions to reduce hotel reliance, refuting concerns about illegal work or "pull factors" due to lack of evidence. He also called for addressing claim delays in the upcoming White Paper.

Lord German advocated for safe and secure housing that allows individuals to cook for themselves, access local support, and better engage with the asylum process, highlighting that hotel accommodation is unsuitable for both asylum seekers and local communities.

The Bishop of Sheffield raised safety concerns for asylum seekers, citing a Rotherham hotel attack, and urged urgent adoption of community-based accommodation for better protection and to prevent similar violence.

Baroness Lister also raised the point of allowing asylum seekers to work after six months to reduce accommodation pressure while supporting integration and public finances, a proposal endorsed by the chair of the Migration Advisory Committee.

Baroness Lister criticised the poor hotel conditions, including unhygienic facilities, overcrowding, and inadequate safeguards for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. She advocated for community-based accommodation and extending the move-on period permanently.

Thank you to @focusonlabour.bsky.social , @workrights.bsky.social and Justice and Care contributing to the event.

The event examined the extent to which the Bill in its current form gives meaningful access to protections for some of the most at-risk workers, and explored how it could be improved to ensure that its inclusive to the needs of migrant workers and victims of modern slavery.