Happy International Migrants Day!

We are ending the year with a short update to celebrate migrants in our community and everywhere.

Negative public discourse about migration misrepresents the reality of migrants’ true experiences – worse, it often erases it. Behind the numbers and inflammatory headlines about people seeking asylum and refugees are real people with harrowing stories, incredible courage, people who are filled with hope of a safer, better life – and deserve just that. These are people like Leensaa, who kindly agreed to share her story with us.

You too have a role to play in the fight for migrant justice, here’s what you can do:
1. become a member
2. make a one off donation
3. follow us on insta

In the words of our chairperson, Norman Minter:
“I am proud of our work. We are a small organisation, working with a group of committed, passionate trustees, staff and volunteers who share a common belief that migrants, people seeking asylum and refugees are welcome here. They make an incredibly positive contribution to our lives, our communities and our culture and we will continue going above and beyond to welcome and support them.”

Thank you all for being here. .  
We wish you a wonderful festive season – if you are celebrating – and a happy, peaceful New Year.

I’ll be back in January with the next newsletter.

In solidarity,
Anne

Today is an important reminder of the immeasurable contributions migrants make to our lives and communities. We are proud to stand in solidarity with migrants everywhere. To counter negative public discourse about migration, we need to hear more stories like Leensaa’s. Read our latest blog to find out more and please share it widely. 

Happy #InternationalMigrantsDay!

Support Centre Update

We have an important update regarding e-Visas – the deadline has been postponed – at least until 31st March 2025 – and BRP’s that expired on 31st December 2024 have been extended to 31st March 2025. We will keep information updated when we know more.

If you, or anyone you know needs an e-visa, please get in touch: [email protected] 

⚠️Reminder – The Support Centre will be closed over the festive season. 

WelcomeStow Social Fridays is back on Friday 03 January 2025. This is a space where we come together to share a freshly cooked meal and take part in activities. Please spread the word!

In the News

Sadly, I don’t have any good news to share in this final newsletter of 2024.

We have serious concerns about the growing number of raids and people being deported – in total 13,460 between 5 July and 7 December 2024. If you or someone you know is at risk of removal, the Right to Remain section in their Toolkit is a useful resource. 
It has also come to light that, since the recent change of regime in Syria, the Government has decided to pause Syria asylum claims – even as they admit they do not know how the situation  will play out. This is leaving thousands of people in limbo fearing the worst. 

Care about migrant justice?
Join us!