19/09/2025 – 10/10/2025

• According to data from the UK government, between 29 September and 6 October, 14 small boats arrived to the UK crossing the Channel, carrying 915 migrants.  

• On 29 September, the UK Home Office published a press release announcing stricter requirements for migrant settlement. The Home Secretary said the new proposed ‘contribution-based settlement model’ would “reduce net migration, boost integration and reduce pressure on public services”. Under the new regulation, migrants applying for an indefinite leave to remain would have to be in full-time employment, make regular contributions to National Insurance and refrain from claiming state benefits. They would also be required to demonstrate strong English skills, maintain a clear criminal record and contribute to their local communities, for example through volunteering.  

• As reported by The Guardian on 29 September 2025, a coalition of more than 100 rights groups has sent a letter to UK home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, demanding an end to the “scapegoating of migrants”. The letter was organised by Refugee Action and signed by organisations including Save the Children, Mind, Oxfam, Shelter, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, as well as the PCS union, which represents Border Force workers. It declares: “Targeting refugees will do nothing to tackle these structural issues or improve people’s lives. It only serves as a dangerous smokescreen to scapegoat the most vulnerable and distract from the very real dangers to our society.”