Caseworker Discussion Forum – Asylum & Immigration Q&A

Time: 14:30
Date: Thursday 23 March 2023
Location: Online via MS Teams

The Library, in conjunction with the Members’ Services Team, is pleased to invite you to the Casework Discussion Forum which will take place virtually each month.

With CJ McKinney and Melanie Gower from the Library’s Home Affairs Section.

The forum will be complemented by a dedicated Teams chat which will allow you to share ideas and best practice, as well as support being on hand from the Library should specialist knowledge be required.

Booking required: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=5177

You do not have to be a Caseworker to attend these sessions – they are open to any Members’ staff who handle casework.

If you have any questions, please contact MST@parliament.uk.

Migrant Help

Migrant Help exists to protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. They support those most in need and least likely to find support elsewhere, whilst aiming to bridge community gaps and bring services and support together.

You can read more about Migrant Help here: https://www.migranthelpuk.org/

Whilst there is no MP hotline for Migrant Help, they have provided some information on how to help your constituents:

A guide to reporting issues via their website:
https://xz71da.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Migrant-Help-Guide_RaiseIssue_v02b.pdf

Accessing Migrant Help’s Service User Portal and webchat:
https://xz71da.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Migrant-Help-Webchat-and-Portal-guidance.pdf

Constituency casework: asylum, immigration and nationality

Members of Parliament handle a high volume of immigration, nationality and asylum enquiries from constituents.

The Commons Library has produced a briefing which provides a brief overview of the UK’s immigration and asylum system and basic British nationality law.

It also outlines the legal restrictions on giving immigration advice, gives some suggestions on handling constituents’ enquiries, refers to some sources of information that may be helpful for straightforward questions, and highlights training courses available to Members’ staff.

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03186/

Afghanistan – information for constituents seeking help

MPs’ offices are receiving a large number of requests for assistance from constituents with relatives, friends and colleagues stranded in Afghanistan.

In order to help your MP to assist you in the most efficient way, please read this quick guide: https://w4mp.org/w4mp/w4mp-guides/in-the-constituency/casework-guides/issue-by-issue/afghanistan/