Insights: April 2025 Members Roundtable
The April edition of the WMFN Members Roundtable Exchange focused on a critical and timely issue: the growing migration trends across the West Midlands and the region’s collective efforts to support irregular migrants and refugees. The meeting brought together expert speakers from statutory and voluntary sectors to share data, insight, and on-the-ground experience in addressing one of the most pressing social challenges facing our communities.
Understanding the Migration Landscape
Dally Panesar, Head of the West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership, and her colleague Rattan Bhorjee, Senior Migration Co-ordinator, opened the session with a comprehensive update on regional migration trends.
As of early 2025, the West Midlands continues to rank among the top three UK regions for hosting asylum seekers and refugees, with over 5,000 individuals receiving Section 95 support. Birmingham plays a central role in resettlement efforts, alongside dispersal hotspots such as Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, and parts of the Black Country.
The city has integrated over 500 individuals through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and remains an active partner in the UK Resettlement Scheme, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.
However, change is on the horizon. The UK Home Office has announced plans to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation by July 2025. While this move is intended to streamline costs and improve living conditions, it is placing additional strain on already overstretched local authorities, housing providers, and voluntary sector organisations.
With high demand for social housing and limited suitable private rental options, the region faces growing pressure to find long-term, safe housing for individuals and families navigating the asylum process.
➡️ Access the presentation slides here
📧 For follow-up data and migration insights, contact Rattan Bhorjee at Rattan.Bhorjee@Wolverhampton.gov.uk
📊 Explore the West Midlands Migration Data Dashboard
On the Frontlines: Voluntary Sector Response
Abbas Baig (Head of Services) and Danai Papachristopoulou (Head of Policy) from the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) shared a sobering picture of the challenges being faced by frontline services working with irregular migrants and newly resettled refugees in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Their reflections revealed six core issues shaping the sector’s response:
Severely Limited Access to Legal Aid
Many individuals face immigration challenges without access to legal aid, increasing the burden on organisations like RMC and Central England Law Centre to fill the justice gap.Housing and Destitution Risks
Newly regularised migrants often face housing insecurity or outright destitution. Emergency services such as Hope Projects are stepping in to support those with no recourse to public funds.Capacity Challenges Across the Sector
Demand for immigration advice and support continues to outstrip supply. Funded by the Justice Together Initiative (JTI), the West Midlands Immigration Network is a welcome collaboration aiming to expand and improve the quality of advice provision in the region.Integration Support Gaps
Beyond paperwork, individuals need support to integrate into society — from language lessons to employment access. Provision remains patchy and underfunded.Navigating Complex Systems
The UK’s asylum and immigration systems remain opaque and difficult to navigate. Tools like the Migrant Advice Portal are helping bridge the gap by connecting people to local services.Ongoing Financial Pressure on Charities
Voluntary organisations are experiencing a funding squeeze while demand for their services rises. With most funding restricted, there’s a growing need for flexible resources that allow organisations to respond quickly and effectively to emerging needs.
The session sparked important discussions on how funders, statutory agencies, and civil society can work together to meet the evolving needs of migrant and refugee communities. Members left with deeper understanding and renewed commitment to supporting this vital area of work.
We welcome your reflections on how WMFN can continue supporting members to respond to migration challenges in the region.
