Call for Evidence: Impact of Recent Immigration and Asylum Rule Changes on Poverty

The All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPG) on Migration and on Poverty and Inequality are inviting submissions of new evidence on the potential impact of recent changes to UK immigration and asylum rules on poverty in the UK. 

Background

In April 2024, the APPGs on Migration and Poverty and Inequality conducted a joint inquiry into the Effects of Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Policy on Poverty.

The inquiry received approximately 200 submissions from individuals and organisations with both lived and professional experience of poverty and the UK immigration system. Parliamentarians heard powerful evidence about the impacts that this has on individuals, families and communities. The report made a series of recommendations on shortening routes, reducing fees and costs, expanding access to fair employment, and strengthening social security support to prevent poverty and destitution among migrants.

New Phase of the Inquiry

Since the publication of this report the Home Office has published a new Immigration White Paper, and subsequent reforms and rule changes for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants have been announced by the Home Secretary. The APPGs are therefore undertaking a short, targeted follow-up inquiry to refresh their recommendations in the light of these changes. 

We are seeking new and relevant evidence that directly addresses the impacts of these recent changes.

Areas of Interest

Submissions should address the proven or potential impacts in one or more of the following areas:

• Access to social security and welfare

• Access to public services and housing

• Employment and wages

• Communities and integration

Submission Guidance

• Submissions must focus on new evidence or research relating specifically to recent or proposed rule changes and the thematic areas highlighted above. 

• Submissions should focus on changes introduced in, or following, the White Paper, including all subsequent immigration and asylum proposals and reforms announced thereafter. We are particularly interested in evidence that captures the cumulative and evolving impact of these measures.

• • Please also indicate how the recent rule changes interact with the APPGs’ previous findings, including whether they alter earlier conclusions or recommendations, exacerbate existing issues, or compound the impacts already identified.

  • Please do not resubmit material from the original inquiry or previously published findings, unless it directly addresses the new rule changes or proposals. 

  • Format:
    
    

    • Submissions should be concise and no longer than four sides of A4.

    • Clearly identify the specific policy, proposal or rule change being addressed.

    • Outline the observed or anticipated impact. 

    • Indicate which of the four thematic areas the evidence relates to

    • Submissions can link to reports containing further information where relevant.

We welcome evidence from:

• Academics and researchers

• Charities, NGOs, and community organisations

• Legal and policy professionals

• Local authorities and service providers

Update on Submission Deadlines

Thank you for the positive responses to this inquiry update that have been received so far. Following feedback from stakeholders, we have updated the timelines for submissions.

The deadline for submitting new evidence has been extended to 13 May 2026. For existing, previously published research, we encourage submissions by 14 April 2026, where possible.

We are grateful for the feedback received, which has helped inform this approach. We understand the importance of allowing time to produce robust and well-evidenced research and ensuring that submissions are as thorough and accurate as possible. At the same time, our timeline is shaped by the aims of parliamentarians who are keen to have the evidence in time to shape very live policy conversations happening now, and the parliamentary timetable.

We hope this revised schedule strikes an appropriate balance between enabling high-quality submissions and ensuring that the research submitted can inform policy discussions at a timely and relevant point. We will be holding one oral evidence session in late April based on evidence received by the first deadline, and a follow up session in late May for the second wave of evidence, with the aim of publishing findings in June.

We look forward to receiving your submissions