Committees

Committee to take evidence on the impact of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) on immigration and asylum

20 April 2020

In its oral evidence session on Tuesday 21 April the Home Affairs Committee will hear from representatives of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association, Free Movement, the Refugee Council, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants and Detention Action on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the immigration, asylum and detention systems.

Purpose of the session

The Committee will be aiming to:

  • Explore the impact of Covid-19 on the immigration system and visa-holders, and listen to views on the Government's response;
     
  • Learn more about the issues facing migrants and asylum seekers, assess whether changes are required to the provision of support to those in the asylum system, and look at concerns around government policy on ‘no recourse to public funds';

  • Examine the Government's policy relating to immigration detention during the Covid-19 crisis and the adequacy of protective measures recently implemented in detention centres.

Witnesses

At 9.30am:

  • Adrian Berry,  Chair, Immigration Law Practitioners' Association
  • Colin Yeo, Founder, Free Movement

At 10.30am:

  • Andy Hewett, Head of Advocacy, Refugee Council
  • Chai Patel, Legal Policy Director, Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
  • Bella Sankey, Director, Detention Action

Further information

Image: PA