Migrant Action

Empowerment Advocacy Justice

Welcome Nadia!

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Nadia Sokhal has joined Migrant Action’s management committee. We are delighted and look forward to her valuable expertise and contribution to the organisation’s development.

Nadia writes;

I am a qualified Immigration Supervisor  at KALSI solicitors with a strong background in asylum and immigration, and Family law experience.  I have witnessed how vulnerable migrants struggle to get access to legal services due to be non asylum seekers. 

Originally from Algeria, I moved to the UK in 2010 and then moved to Leeds in May 2019 to open a new branch of the firm. Through my legal work with vulnerable migrants, I was drawn to Migrant Action’s ethos, advocacy and practical assistance for migrants.

I hope to use my lived experience as a migrant, organisational development and legal expertise to support Migrant Action’s work and development. My first contribution would be to develop a new partnership between Migrant Action and KARLSI solicitors to provide a free legal clinic and increase access to justice for vulnerable migrants.

I look forward to a new and positive experience at Migrant Action.

Migrant Action: Helping vulnerable EU migrants applying for Settled Status

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As the uncertainty and anxiety around BREXIT continue to linger on, Migrant Action in collaboration with partners is working to help vulnerable migrants. To ensure that EU citizens are not in limbo, we are delivering support to secure the status of all EU citizens living, working and studying in the UK after BREXIT.

What support is available?

Migrant Action run weekly drop-ins where we provide free information, advice and guidance sessions for EU citizens to help them make informed choices. We also run group sessions to help build your confidence to apply for the scheme. Migrant Action will provide practical support to make settled status applications for individuals who are unable make applications independently. As part of the support we offer, we signpost and refer people to services for further support and legal advice if needed.

Where do we provide support?

In Leeds, Migrant Action run a drop-in every Thursday from 4.00- 6.30pm at RETAS, Roundhay Resource Centre, 233-237 Round hay Road, LS8 4HS. For inquiries and appointments Email us at info@migrantaction.org.uk or call 01133731763/07787744993

In Barnsley: Migrant Action run a drop–in working in collaboration with ELSH every Thursday from 10am-12pm at ELSH at 205 Sheffield road, S70 4DE Barnsley.

In Doncaster: Migrant Action is working in collaboration with local partners; The Junktion https://thejunctionhexthorpe.com/ and The Youth Association http://youth-association.org/ to provide similar support for Vulnerable migrants in the Doncaster area.

For more information, advice and guidance regarding the EU Settled Status Scheme contact us at info@migrantaction.org.uk or call 01133731763/07787744993

A CALL TO ACTION!

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Sadly, largely the tone and narratives on migration is becoming increasingly hostile. Government policies and political discourses convey a commitment to pursue with relentless gusto an anti-migration agenda unless it serves its domestic priorities.

The purpose of this torrent of hostile anti-migration policies across Europe is to force migrants into pathways of inhumane and degrading treatment that violates their humanity, human rights and for some their right to life.

What can we do?

Migrant Action is working with partner across the UK and in Europe to mark the 3rd of October as a day of ‘Welcome and Memory’. This campaign commemorates October 3rd when 368 people including children, women and men lost their lives in a shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa. http://www.snapshotsfromtheborders.eu/

Please support the Snapshots from the Borders campaign for a human rights-based approach to migration and solidarity with migrants.  

The aim is to get 25 000 signatures to push the EU parliament for policy change, and to shift towards a human rights-based approach to migration. Over 10,000 people have signed so far, please help us reach our target, and enable representation for this in the European Parliament.

You can sign the petition here: bit.ly/2LHJ6W6 and forward to your networks.

If you are in Leeds or able to travel to Leeds, We’d also like to invite you to come to our free screenings of 2 Award-winning films, which we are putting on with Leeds Film Festival:

 24th October: To the Four Winds – the story of a ‘heroic’ French people smuggler, who helps migrants to safety. 5-7pm at Leeds University, Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre, Michael Sadler Building. Free food and drinks!

30th October: Revenir – a unique insight, which follows the ‘real-life’ journey of a migrant from the Ivory Coast. 6-8pm Belgrave Music Hall. Free drinks for the first 40 people

Let’s work together in solidarity to change policy and make a difference in people’s lives!

Migrant Action Director Fidelis Chebe sharing the campaign on Fever FM

Building Capacity for EU Settled Status Support in Barnsley

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Following a successful session in Doncaster in the summer, Migrant Action and CONSONANT (formerly known as Migrant Resource Centre) recently delivered an information and training session for voluntary organisations and statutory services. In attendance were ELSH, The Polish Library, Barnsley Central library, DWP, Barnsley Council and Migrant Action. 

The purpose of the session was to equip organisations with reliable information about the EU Settled Status scheme. The session also offered participants step by step guidance on how to support EU citizens applying for the scheme as well as referral advice for complex cases. 

The broader aim of the capacity building sessions is to ensure that vulnerable EU migrants are well informed and get the right level of support thereby reduce the risk of insecure immigration after BREXIT. Migrant Action recognises that such support though vital is limited in areas across the region including Barnsley hence it is filling a gap in service provision. The participants gained better understanding of the scheme, practical tips for completing the applications and referral process for complex cases. Participants also received good guidance regarding regulated and non-regulated advice. 

The workshop was a good networking opportunity and also included a Q&A session which allowed participants explore a range of issues to enhance understanding and preparedness. Following the workshop, Migrant Action will work collaboratively with ELSH, The Polish Library and other local partner organisations to develop a structured framework for delivering support to ensure that vulnerable EU migrants are aware and able to access right support.

See link below for further information about the EU settlement Scheme 

http://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/Documents/EU-Settlement-Scheme.pdf

EU Settled Status: Partnership working in Doncaster

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After many months of mobilisation and community engagement, Migrant Action, The Junction Cafe, Hexthorpe Primary School and The Youth Association are delighted to be working together to raise awareness and provide practical support for vulnerable migrants in Doncaster to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. 

This collaborative and coordinated approach would ensure efficiency and effective support as well as enhance access and choice for EU citizens wishing to regularise their stay in the UK when the UK leave the EU. 

The organisations/locations in Doncaster where EU citizens will be able to receive information, guidance and support would be; The Junction on Wednesday and Thursday 1-4pm and Hexthorpe Primary School Monday and Tuesdays. Migrant Action will assist with complex cases by facilitating referrals of complex cases to relevant specialist agencies and providing advocacy support.

Migrant Action and its partners hope to provide support for EU citizens applying for the scheme until March 2020.

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