European Commission releases new Integration Plan
On 24 November the European Commission released its new Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion, which opens the door to funding integration activities regardless of the status of beneficiaries. While the Action Plan does not refer specifically to undocumented migrants, it also does not limit itself to regularly residing third country nationals only. However, the inclusion of undocumented migrants in the integration measures listed in the new plan will depend on the programming of funds like the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund.
The action plan came after a 3-month consultation with civil society, international organisations, member states and other stakeholders, which underlined the high risk of marginalisation, the unequal impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on physical and mental health of undocumented people and the need to consider regularisation schemes.
UN Secretary General takes stock of Global Compact for Migration
The UN Secretary General has published its biannual report on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, which considers the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in disrupting efforts to implement the Global Compact in some areas while accelerating implementation in others. Among positive developments concerning undocumented people in Europe, the report cites regularisation measures in France, Italy and Portugal, as well as a new programme to expand work permits for qualified professionals in Germany.
French police uses violence in evacuating migrants’ camp in Paris
On 23 November, French police undertook what has been described by the French press as a “violent evacuation” of a migrants’ camp in Place de la Republique in Paris, where the migrants had settled after being evicted from another encampment and left homeless. The Minister of the Interior described the images of the sweep, shared on social media, as “shocking” and demanded a report from the inspectorate general of police within 48 hours. The French Defender of Rights also announced that she will be looking into what occurred.
New study on cities’ responses to undocumented migrants during COVID-19
The City Initiative on Migrants with Irregular Status in Europe has released a new report analyzing how the pandemic has impacted irregular migrants residing in European cities. The paper outlines several new policy scenarios and local authorities’ initiatives from nearly 20 cities across Europe addressing the social challenges posed to undocumented people by the pandemic and related lockdown measures.
Zurich City proposes city identity card for all its inhabitants
The Zurich City Council has proposed the introduction of a city identity card for all its inhabitants, including undocumented people living in the city. The card would be accepted as an identification tool by local authorities and would give people access to a range of local public and private services. The city card would not regularise residence status, or remove risks of being asked about residence status by police. The project is to be approved by the Zurich city parliament.
European Commission releases new Integration Plan
On 24 November the European Commission released its new Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion, which opens the door to funding integration activities regardless of the status of beneficiaries. While the Action Plan does not refer specifically to undocumented migrants, it also does not limit itself to regularly residing third country nationals only. However, the inclusion of undocumented migrants in the integration measures listed in the new plan will depend on the programming of funds like the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund.
The action plan came after a 3-month consultation with civil society, international organisations, member states and other stakeholders, which underlined the high risk of marginalisation, the unequal impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on physical and mental health of undocumented people and the need to consider regularisation schemes.
UN Secretary General takes stock of Global Compact for Migration
The UN Secretary General has published its biannual report on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, which considers the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in disrupting efforts to implement the Global Compact in some areas while accelerating implementation in others. Among positive developments concerning undocumented people in Europe, the report cites regularisation measures in France, Italy and Portugal, as well as a new programme to expand work permits for qualified professionals in Germany.
French police uses violence in evacuating migrants’ camp in Paris
On 23 November, French police undertook what has been described by the French press as a “violent evacuation” of a migrants’ camp in Place de la Republique in Paris, where the migrants had settled after being evicted from another encampment and left homeless. The Minister of the Interior described the images of the sweep, shared on social media, as “shocking” and demanded a report from the inspectorate general of police within 48 hours. The French Defender of Rights also announced that she will be looking into what occurred.
New study on cities’ responses to undocumented migrants during COVID-19
The City Initiative on Migrants with Irregular Status in Europe has released a new report analyzing how the pandemic has impacted irregular migrants residing in European cities. The paper outlines several new policy scenarios and local authorities’ initiatives from nearly 20 cities across Europe addressing the social challenges posed to undocumented people by the pandemic and related lockdown measures.
Zurich City proposes city identity card for all its inhabitants
The Zurich City Council has proposed the introduction of a city identity card for all its inhabitants, including undocumented people living in the city. The card would be accepted as an identification tool by local authorities and would give people access to a range of local public and private services. The city card would not regularise residence status, or remove risks of being asked about residence status by police. The project is to be approved by the Zurich city parliament.