Proposed changes to migration law and policy

Rights of Women hosts a FREE seminar and debate on proposed changes to migration law and policy on the theme "Lost in the 'balance': trading women’s human rights for immigration control?"

Tuesday 6 September 2011, 2.30pm-4.30pm, London (Kings Cross)

What's it about?
The UK Border Agency, the agency responsible for controlling migration to the UK, has opened two consultations setting out proposals to dramatically change the rules around migration in the areas of family migration and employment-related settlement.

These proposals have serious implications for the safety and well-being of migrant women and, if implemented, would place the Government at risk of breaching its obligations under domestic and international human rights law.

The Government has an obligation to protect all women in the UK from gender-based violence, regardless of their immigration status. Yet these proposals risk placing women at greater risk.

1. The family migration consultation proposes to extend the probationary period (the length of time a spouse must wait before applying for indefinite leave to remain, ILR) from 2 to 5 years in partner and other family cases, exposing migrant women to a risk of remaining trapped in an abusive relationship.
2. The employment-related settlement consultation proposes major reforms that we and others believe will result in a dramatic increase in the abuse and trafficking of migrant domestic workers in the UK.

This seminar and debate will equip you with an understanding of the main proposals and enable you to respond to the consultation to ensure that the rights of the women that you work with are upheld. Template consultation responses will be provided and discussed.

Speakers include Kate Roberts, Community Advocate from Kalayaan and Catherine Briddick, Senior Legal Officer from Rights of Women. Other speakers will be confirmed.

Who should attend? This seminar and debate is open to members of the Women’s Migration and Asylum Network and representatives from voluntary and statutory sector organisations interested in finding out about, and campaigning on, women’s rights within the family justice system. It is open to women and men and will be publicised widely.

This seminar is free of charge but booking is essential. Download the booking form from the website now and email it back to Rights of Women on events@row.org.uk or send it by fax on 020 7490 5377.

Space is limited. You will receive confirmation of your space upon booking.
If you need further information or have difficulties downloading the form, contact the office on 020 7251 6575.