Updated information of fast changing changes to policy and practice affecting people in the asylum process can be found on the following links.  These include Aspen cards, screening and substantive interviews, reporting, new submissions, appeals, voluntary returns and resettlement etc.  We appreciate the role of the British Red Cross Advocacy and Policy Manager (Refugees and Asylum) as the single point of contact with the Home Office. 

Refugee Council provides a daily updated summary of the government’s response to date.

Right to Remain provide straightforward and sometimes illustrated updates including this October 2020 6 minute summary video 

Free Movement provides a regularly updated one stop shop for all major immigration law and practice changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 Court hearings by phone or video call: Preparation advice for remote hearings from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The Home Office published a factsheet on their media blog on asylum accommodation and decisions.

The NRPF network have produced a useful web page with a link to a detailed factsheet aimed at Local Authorities, with info on support for people with NRPF, including good practice already being undertaken by councils and supporting people during the pandemic when social services’ duties are engaged; rights and entitlements of people with NRPF to government assistance being provided during the pandemic; and changes to Home Office immigration and asylum processes.

Your regional Strategic Migration Partnership will also have an information page aimed at Local Authorities on the pandemic aimed at those supporting migrants, resettled refugees and people seeking sanctuary e.g East Midlands SMP  or Migration Yorkshire