Sign in

MiCLU

@micluteam.bsky.social
149 followers 86 following 110 posts

The Migrant and Refugee Children's Legal Unit based at Islington Law Centre. Working for the rights of migrant and refugee children and young people. miclu.org

PostsRepliesMedia
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Reminder that there is still time to apply for this post: deadline is 12pm tomorrow.
000
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Given the absence of any consultation or impact assessment we are calling for implementation to be paused until questions are answered and the consequences have been properly scrutinised. bit.ly/4xe76UB Statement of changes: bit.ly/3TJXylK Explanatory memorandum: bit.ly/4pLz9Zb
bit.ly
Lords committee draws latest immigration rule changes to House’s attention over ‘minor’ asylum interview reforms
Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee says Home Office failed to adequately explain new 'merged registration' interview
010
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
While the Home Office says the merged screening process will initially be used for claims from very low-grant rates and for claims considered clearly unfounded, the Rules themselves do not impose those limits, and the scheme could expand over time.
110
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
These changes are being introduced through the backdoor against a backdrop of a severe asylum legal aid crisis. Many people do not have a lawyer at the screening stage and only secure representation later on.
110
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
...Whereas reducing two interviews to one, reducing the opportunities to provide evidence and accelerating decisions will make it even harder to identify those most in need of protection.
110
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Evidence consistently shows that vulnerable people often cannot disclose painful experiences during their first interactions with the asylum system. Producing medical reports, expert evidence & effective legal representation will only be possible after trust has been built and full advice obtained.
110
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Allowing claims to be refused without a substantive asylum interview will inevitably risk wrongful refusals and exposing people to persecution, torture or other serious harm if returned. This will particularly impact survivors of torture, trafficking and trauma.
110
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Presented by the Home Office as a procedural reform and snuck in during the distraction of a major new bill announcement, the changes represent a major shift in how asylum claims may be decided.
110
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Alongside removing the guaranteed opportunity to submit further evidence when no substantive interview takes place, this sets the scene for the Home Office’s stated plans for a new, merged screening process.
110
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
We are highly concerned about recent changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 259) which expand the circumstances in which asylum claims may be decided without a substantive asylum interview. 🧵
111
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
These changes are being introduced through the backdoor against a backdrop of a severe asylum legal aid crisis. Many people do not have a lawyer at the screening stage and only secure representation later on.
bit.ly
000
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Whereas reducing two interviews to one, reducing the opportunities to provide evidence and accelerating decisions will make it even harder to identify those most in need of protection.
bit.ly
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Evidence consistently shows that vulnerable people often cannot disclose painful experiences during their first interactions with the asylum system. Producing medical reports, expert evidence & effective legal representation will only be possible after trust has been built and full advice obtained.
bit.ly
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Allowing claims to be refused without a substantive asylum interview will inevitably risk wrongful refusals and exposing people to persecution, torture or other serious harm if returned. This will particularly impact survivors of torture, trafficking and trauma.
bit.ly
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Presented by the Home Office as a procedural reform and snuck in during the distraction of a major new bill announcement, the changes represent a major shift in how asylum claims may be decided.
bit.ly
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Alongside removing the guaranteed opportunity to submit further evidence when no substantive interview takes place, this sets the scene for the Home Office’s stated plans for a new, merged screening process.
bit.ly
100
Reposted by MiCLU
Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The Upper Tribunal has found a NAAB age assessment "quite wrong" and rejected the argument that NAAB decisions deserve special weight. The same settled principles apply regardless of which body conducts the assessment — including the benefit of the doubt owed to the applicant.
freemovement.org.uk
No special weight to be given to National Age Assessment Board decisions as tribunal finds assessment ‘quite wrong’ - Free Movement
The Upper Tribunal has rejected the Home Office’s argument that special weight should be afforded to age assessments carried out by the National Age
043
Reposted by MiCLU
Steve Peers @stevepeers.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Submitting AI hallucinations to court is always professional negligence, but the potential consequences here are far more serious than any case I have seen before. Time to start disbarring lawyers for cases as serious as this. And the first instance judge missing it is unimpressive too.
718268
Reposted by MiCLU
Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The High Court has found that scrapping reconsiderations for negative trafficking decisions was unlawful. A significant check on flawed decision-making was removed without proper authority — and the court has now struck it down. Nath Gbikpi walks through what the ruling means in practice.
freemovement.org.uk
Home Office acted unlawfully by removing reconsiderations for trafficking decisions - Free Movement
The High Court has ruled that the Home Office acted unlawfully when it removed the ability to request a reconsideration of a negative trafficking decision.
013
Reposted by MiCLU
Women for Refugee Women @4refugeewomen.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
🚨Yesterday, the Immigration and Asylum Bill had its second reading in Parliament. This is an opportunity to debate the principles and core purpose of a proposed Bill. We know it's cruel, performative, and will cause huge harm to people seeking safety. Here's a snippet of what happened 👇 1/🧵
1117
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Join us as Immigration Solicitor/Senior Caseworker, building a rewarding career on a pioneering project recognised for its innovation and impact. We'll support you to develop case preparation & strategic litigation skills alongside expertise in child-centred, trauma-informed practice bit.ly/4plRBqX
000
Reposted by MiCLU
Helen Bamber Foundation 🧡 @helenbamber.org · 02/07/2026
You cannot address human trafficking without supporting & protecting survivors. The government's new Immigration & Asylum Bill does the opposite. A system that punishes survivors doesn't fight trafficking but enables it. We will keep fighting this. 📑 more: www.helenbamber.org/resources/la...
097
Reposted by MiCLU
Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit @atleu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Anti-slavery charities warn that the new Immigration and Asylum Bill will damage modern slavery protections as the Bill prioritises immigration control over safeguarding survivors of a serious crime. Read our full statement here: www.atleu.org.uk/cases-news/t...
034
Reposted by MiCLU
Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
There is nothing "fair" about Labour's plans. These are the most regressive and hostile changes to the asylum rules we have seen in decades, which is saying something considering those passed by Labour. They undermine human rights, and put trafficking victims at risk. They are abhorrent. 15/
17024
Reposted by MiCLU
Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A change in PM should be a chance to rethink, but it appears that the immigration and asylum bill will be introduced next week, a bill that will do nothing to help the asylum system run more smoothly while making life harder for those seeking protection in the UK. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Shabana Mahmood’s immigration and asylum bill to go before MPs next week
Refugee charities fear controversial changes, including on forced removals and age checks, are being rushed through
01412
Reposted by MiCLU
Simon Parker @sparkerworld.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Mahmood must have Burnham's support to make it virtually impossible to seek sanctuary in Britain let alone reunite with your family. Every refugee organisation opposes these 'reforms' which will lead to rushed & unfair decision making. The bill should be stopped. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Shabana Mahmood’s immigration and asylum bill to go before MPs next week
Refugee charities fear controversial changes, including on forced removals and age checks, are being rushed through
021
Reposted by MiCLU
Helen Bamber Foundation 🧡 @helenbamber.org · 21/05/2026
After a decade of campaigning, the government has finally published data confirming what we warned for years: hundreds of child refugees arriving alone in the UK are wrongly treated as adults, with devastating consequences. 🧵 We speak to @the-independent.com www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
Migrant children put at ‘significant’ risk after being wrongly treated as adults
Exclusive: Home Office accused of ‘safeguarding failure’ as hundreds of migrant children initially assessed as adults
178
Reposted by MiCLU
Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
New: Nearly 90% of conclusive grounds reconsiderations result in positive outcome and more UK referrals than ever — by Jasmine Quiller-Doust
freemovement.org.uk
Nearly 90% of conclusive grounds reconsiderations result in positive outcome and more UK referrals than ever - Free Movement
We now have the latest quarterly trafficking statistics for January to March 2026. A few new records have been set, including UK national referrals which are
011
Reposted by MiCLU
ECPAT UK @ecpatuk.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
ECPAT UK Youth Advisory Group responds to the King's Speech and another Immigration and Asylum Bill. Their message is unequivocal, these proposals put children at risk and punish the very children who need protection, removing vital support at the moment they need it the most.  bit.ly/YAGMay26
bit.ly
Child Trafficking Survivors Warn: Government Proposals Will Put Vulnerable Children at Risk
The ECPAT UK Youth Advisory Group has issued a strong response to the King’s Speech with the announcement of a new Immigration and Asylum Bill as part of the government’s ongoing plans to reform the a...
011
Reposted by MiCLU
Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
New: Briefing: registering a child as British — by James Ritchie
freemovement.org.uk
Briefing: registering a child as British - Free Movement
In this briefing, we will cover the four most common entitlement routes for registering a child as British, alongside the discretionary route.
012
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
MICLU is a Kids in Need of Defense UK hub and provides free legal advice to children & young people looking to apply for British citizenship. If you're supporting a child who you think may be entitled to citizenship, you can make a referral to us here: bit.ly/4naD4gA
010
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Caring about children's rights means caring about the rights of every child. That's why we and 140+ organisations are speaking out against new rules that put thousands of migrant and refugee children in the UK at risk of poverty, homelessness and trauma bit.ly/4sZazUt @asylummatters.bsky.social
bit.ly
A message to Government: Charities sound the alarm over ‘sustained attack on children’s rights’ - Asylum Matters
New migration rules represent a “sustained attack on children’s rights”, say children’s charities, social workers, lawyers and migrants’ rights groups. In a letter to the Prime Minister, nearly 150 ch...
031
Reposted by MiCLU
Mirror Politics @politics.mirror.co.uk · 26/04/2026
Nearly 150 children's groups have accused the Government of a "sustained attack on children's rights" as they demanded a U-turn on proposals to handcuff kids during deportations.
mirror.co.uk
Plan to handcuff migrant kids is 'sustained attack on children', Starmer warned
174
Reposted by MiCLU
Sile Reynolds @silereynolds.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
The Home Office has extended the deadline for responding to this call for evidence to 6th May, but hasn't yet updated the webpage or issued public comms. If you want to confirm this, just email IABcallforevidence@homeoffice.gov.uk & you'll get an automated message with the extension info.
045
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Read more about Dielli, Luan, Drita and Arjeta, who were all helped by MiCLU and Shpresa Programme’s Breaking the Chains project: miclu.org/to-my-younge...
000
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
These are the words Dielli, a victim of trafficking, would say to his younger self. Dielli is one of four young people who spoke to us about their journey - one of immense challenges and incredible achievements - seeking protection and stability in the UK.
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
“I would say keep fighting: you have survived one time, you are going to survive each day, and one day the fairness in your life will come.”
111
Reposted by MiCLU
Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
The lunatic quality of these proposals is persistently underestimated. They are far, far worse than people recognise.
24626207
Reposted by MiCLU
Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Latest post from us: Home Secretary concedes use of unlawful evidential threshold in trafficking decisions | Ralitsa Peykova
freemovement.org.uk
Home Secretary concedes use of unlawful evidential threshold in trafficking decisions - Free Movement
The Home Secretary has accepted that decision-makers applied an unlawful evidential threshold in trafficking cases.
011
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
These designs are awesome and have the added bonus of supporting young migrants!
001
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Read more about the evidence heard by the committee and it’s final recommendations: miclu.org/news/propose...
miclu.org
Home Affairs Committee examines risks to children from proposed reforms to settlement routes - Migrant & Refugee Children's Legal Unit
MiCLU’s legal practice lead Anna Skehan was among witnesses recently providing evidence to the Home Affairs Committee about the impact that proposed changes to routes to settlement (permanent permissi...
000
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
“Allowing young people to settle at an early stage offers positive outcomes and makes them more able to achieve their potential. That can only be in the public interest. I do not understand why you would not want that to happen for young people.”
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
....Instead, routes to settlement should reflect children’s age, their residence and their deep connection to the UK.
101
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Current settlement routes for children are already lengthy, punitive, costly, and structurally ill-suited to childhood. Govt proposed changes to extend these routes to 15-30 years would only multiply existing problems...
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
“It feels like you have tied a sack of rocks to someone and they are trying to drag those rocks along with them for a decade, or now for 15 years.” - MiCLU’s Anna Skehan recently spoke to the Home Affairs Committee about the impact of changes to routes to settlement on children.
120
Reposted by MiCLU
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants @jcwi-uk.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The Home Office wants to handcuff children during forced removals of families. This level of violence & dehumanisation must never be normalised, our spokesperson Griff Ferris warns. Stand up for your neighbours. Organise locally. Boycott border profiteers. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Home Office may forcibly remove child asylum seekers from UK in handcuffs
Move is part of scheme to target families for expedited voluntary removals before enforced removal proceedings
045
Reposted by MiCLU
Helen Bamber Foundation 🧡 @helenbamber.org · 05/03/2026
Home Secretary’s announcement that asylum support would be revoked for those who “have the ability to support themselves” risks pushing people who simply cannot work towards homelessness, poverty & losing access to legal aid. Our response: www.helenbamber.org/resources/la...
helenbamber.org
Helen Bamber Foundation’s response to the government’s announcement on asylum support | Helen Bamber
058
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Introducing policies that will cause individuals to live constantly in fear of being returned to the place where they were persecuted is a racist tactic to score points against the political right, and it is already causing pain and suffering to those least able to advocate for themselves.
000
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
This is in direct contravention of our commitments under Article 34 of the Refugee Convention, which are to “as far as possible facilitate the assimilation and naturalization of refugees.” Refugees need security and stability to be able to recover from trauma and to integrate into society.
100
MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
The changes laid before parliament today deliberately and callously undermine the level of protection that some of the most vulnerable people among us will be entitled to rely on.
100