Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
@gmiau.bsky.social
We provide high-quality legal representation, support and hope to people experiencing immigration injustice throughout the North-West of England.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmiaunit/
Website: gmiau.org
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/gmiaunit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmiaunit/
Website: gmiau.org
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/gmiaunit
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
Come and join our team as our Duty Scheme Legal Officer (maternity cover). You'll provide crucial support to our legal representation service, helping people seeking asylum in the UK avoid homelessness and destitution. www.asaproject.org/about/jobs-v...
November 4, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Come and join our team as our Duty Scheme Legal Officer (maternity cover). You'll provide crucial support to our legal representation service, helping people seeking asylum in the UK avoid homelessness and destitution. www.asaproject.org/about/jobs-v...
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
Adopting a Denmark-style immigration model is a dangerous new low from our Government. Pushing temporary status, harsher family reunion rules and “parallel society” labels throws basic rights under the bus in a bid to win cheap votes.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
UK to announce plans to emulate stringent Danish immigration system
Shabana Mahmood’s proposals draw scorn from some Labour MPs, while others want government to go further
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Adopting a Denmark-style immigration model is a dangerous new low from our Government. Pushing temporary status, harsher family reunion rules and “parallel society” labels throws basic rights under the bus in a bid to win cheap votes.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
A WIN BUT THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER... (THREAD) 🤝 (1)
5 weeks ago, Arjeta, loved member of her Liverpool community, was detained by the Home Office, despite being recognised as a survivor of trafficking and modern slavery. She was due to be removed to Albania yesterday, where she fears for her life...
5 weeks ago, Arjeta, loved member of her Liverpool community, was detained by the Home Office, despite being recognised as a survivor of trafficking and modern slavery. She was due to be removed to Albania yesterday, where she fears for her life...
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www.pressreader.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:36 PM
A WIN BUT THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER... (THREAD) 🤝 (1)
5 weeks ago, Arjeta, loved member of her Liverpool community, was detained by the Home Office, despite being recognised as a survivor of trafficking and modern slavery. She was due to be removed to Albania yesterday, where she fears for her life...
5 weeks ago, Arjeta, loved member of her Liverpool community, was detained by the Home Office, despite being recognised as a survivor of trafficking and modern slavery. She was due to be removed to Albania yesterday, where she fears for her life...
We're honoured to have been awarded 'Frontline Agency of the Year' at the Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards 2025🎉.
This award recognises our eVisa support sessions, delivered as part of a pro bono initiative in partnership with Dechert LLP, Linklaters, Clyde & Co, and Squire Patton Boggs.
This award recognises our eVisa support sessions, delivered as part of a pro bono initiative in partnership with Dechert LLP, Linklaters, Clyde & Co, and Squire Patton Boggs.
November 7, 2025 at 11:48 AM
We're honoured to have been awarded 'Frontline Agency of the Year' at the Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards 2025🎉.
This award recognises our eVisa support sessions, delivered as part of a pro bono initiative in partnership with Dechert LLP, Linklaters, Clyde & Co, and Squire Patton Boggs.
This award recognises our eVisa support sessions, delivered as part of a pro bono initiative in partnership with Dechert LLP, Linklaters, Clyde & Co, and Squire Patton Boggs.
📣MDF are looking for a Lived Experience Project Worker to join them and help embed lived experience into their work and other MACC projects.
This is a brilliant opportunity to be part of the amazing work done by MDF. Applications close on 19 November.
migrantdestitution.co.uk/ruthrose-vis...
This is a brilliant opportunity to be part of the amazing work done by MDF. Applications close on 19 November.
migrantdestitution.co.uk/ruthrose-vis...
Passionate about centering lived experience to advocate for change?
@mcrcommcentral.bsky.social
are recruiting for a Lived Experience Project Worker to embed lived experience in the work of the MDF & other collaborative projects supported by Macc.
Come and join us!
tinyurl.com/cusxbkfu
@mcrcommcentral.bsky.social
are recruiting for a Lived Experience Project Worker to embed lived experience in the work of the MDF & other collaborative projects supported by Macc.
Come and join us!
tinyurl.com/cusxbkfu
November 7, 2025 at 10:13 AM
📣MDF are looking for a Lived Experience Project Worker to join them and help embed lived experience into their work and other MACC projects.
This is a brilliant opportunity to be part of the amazing work done by MDF. Applications close on 19 November.
migrantdestitution.co.uk/ruthrose-vis...
This is a brilliant opportunity to be part of the amazing work done by MDF. Applications close on 19 November.
migrantdestitution.co.uk/ruthrose-vis...
The UK Government count applications, decisions, and removals.
But they don’t count the human cost of a system that forces people into danger to seek safety.
A humane asylum system would protect lives, not end them.
#KnowTheirNames
But they don’t count the human cost of a system that forces people into danger to seek safety.
A humane asylum system would protect lives, not end them.
#KnowTheirNames
While headlines focus on how many people claim asylum in the UK, there's one number that's not even officially counted:
The number of people who die while trying to seek sanctuary here.
We know our policies kill people. Their deaths must not be ignored.
#KnowTheirNames
The number of people who die while trying to seek sanctuary here.
We know our policies kill people. Their deaths must not be ignored.
#KnowTheirNames
November 7, 2025 at 10:04 AM
The UK Government count applications, decisions, and removals.
But they don’t count the human cost of a system that forces people into danger to seek safety.
A humane asylum system would protect lives, not end them.
#KnowTheirNames
But they don’t count the human cost of a system that forces people into danger to seek safety.
A humane asylum system would protect lives, not end them.
#KnowTheirNames
We’re proud to share that the Windrush Legal Initiative has been shortlisted for “Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership” at the LawWorks Awards 2025!⭐
Since 2022, we have led the Initiative in partnership with 8 law firms, providing legal support to people navigating the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Since 2022, we have led the Initiative in partnership with 8 law firms, providing legal support to people navigating the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Windrush Legal Initiative: how to get free help to apply under the Windrush Compensation Scheme - GMIAU
Get in touch with GMIAU for free legal support to apply for the Windrush Compensation Scheme through the Windrush Legal Initiative.
gmiau.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:24 AM
We’re proud to share that the Windrush Legal Initiative has been shortlisted for “Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership” at the LawWorks Awards 2025!⭐
Since 2022, we have led the Initiative in partnership with 8 law firms, providing legal support to people navigating the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Since 2022, we have led the Initiative in partnership with 8 law firms, providing legal support to people navigating the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
🧵1/
This #ProBonoWeek we want to thank all the brilliant pro bono lawyers who give their time and expertise to support people across GMIAU’s projects. Your commitment helps people navigate complex asylum and immigration systems and ensures that more people can access justice when they need it most.
This #ProBonoWeek we want to thank all the brilliant pro bono lawyers who give their time and expertise to support people across GMIAU’s projects. Your commitment helps people navigate complex asylum and immigration systems and ensures that more people can access justice when they need it most.
November 5, 2025 at 3:03 PM
🧵1/
This #ProBonoWeek we want to thank all the brilliant pro bono lawyers who give their time and expertise to support people across GMIAU’s projects. Your commitment helps people navigate complex asylum and immigration systems and ensures that more people can access justice when they need it most.
This #ProBonoWeek we want to thank all the brilliant pro bono lawyers who give their time and expertise to support people across GMIAU’s projects. Your commitment helps people navigate complex asylum and immigration systems and ensures that more people can access justice when they need it most.
Following the publication of their statement, members of the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group spoke to @manchestereveningnews.co.uk and bravely shared their personal stories of resilience, what led them to seek safety in the UK, and the challenges they have faced since arriving.
⭐Read more:
⭐Read more:
November 5, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Following the publication of their statement, members of the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group spoke to @manchestereveningnews.co.uk and bravely shared their personal stories of resilience, what led them to seek safety in the UK, and the challenges they have faced since arriving.
⭐Read more:
⭐Read more:
A brilliantly written and incredibly relevant article from Julia - @asylummatters.bsky.social
'Human beings belong in communities, not camps' 👏
'Human beings belong in communities, not camps' 👏
Human being belong in communities, not camps. And our Government knows it. They said they'd shut the camps and stop wasting millions making people seeking sanctuary suffer - so why are they bringing this failed plan back now?
Why housing asylum seekers in military camps is an expensive mistake
Julia Savage, campaigns manager at Asylum Matters, writes about why housing asylum seekers in military barracks is wrong.
www.bigissue.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:52 PM
A brilliantly written and incredibly relevant article from Julia - @asylummatters.bsky.social
'Human beings belong in communities, not camps' 👏
'Human beings belong in communities, not camps' 👏
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
@bordercrim.bsky.social still looking for funding, please do send me any leads/ideas if you have any... I know it looks like the uni would cover us. but sadly it isn't quite that simple...
November 4, 2025 at 9:52 AM
@bordercrim.bsky.social still looking for funding, please do send me any leads/ideas if you have any... I know it looks like the uni would cover us. but sadly it isn't quite that simple...
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
The government has shut down refugee family reunion — turning in effect a “temporary pause” into a permanent ban.
Cruel. Heartless. Inhumane. 🧵
reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/over-60-orgs...
Cruel. Heartless. Inhumane. 🧵
reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/over-60-orgs...
November 4, 2025 at 10:42 AM
The government has shut down refugee family reunion — turning in effect a “temporary pause” into a permanent ban.
Cruel. Heartless. Inhumane. 🧵
reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/over-60-orgs...
Cruel. Heartless. Inhumane. 🧵
reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/over-60-orgs...
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
Join us
🏛️Manchester Central Library M2 5PD
📅Friday 7 November
🕛12-3pm
to discuss what sanctuary looks like for people fleeing persecution.
How can today's UK Cities of Sanctuary resist this growing hostile environment?
racearchive.org.uk/sanctuary-no...
🏛️Manchester Central Library M2 5PD
📅Friday 7 November
🕛12-3pm
to discuss what sanctuary looks like for people fleeing persecution.
How can today's UK Cities of Sanctuary resist this growing hostile environment?
racearchive.org.uk/sanctuary-no...
November 3, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Join us
🏛️Manchester Central Library M2 5PD
📅Friday 7 November
🕛12-3pm
to discuss what sanctuary looks like for people fleeing persecution.
How can today's UK Cities of Sanctuary resist this growing hostile environment?
racearchive.org.uk/sanctuary-no...
🏛️Manchester Central Library M2 5PD
📅Friday 7 November
🕛12-3pm
to discuss what sanctuary looks like for people fleeing persecution.
How can today's UK Cities of Sanctuary resist this growing hostile environment?
racearchive.org.uk/sanctuary-no...
Our monthly newsletter is a great place to keep update to date with our work and learn more about what we do as an organisation.
🎃October's newsletter: mailchi.mp/gmiau/our-ne...
🎃October's newsletter: mailchi.mp/gmiau/our-ne...
A busy month of publications, updates, and messages of solidarity.
mailchi.mp
October 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Our monthly newsletter is a great place to keep update to date with our work and learn more about what we do as an organisation.
🎃October's newsletter: mailchi.mp/gmiau/our-ne...
🎃October's newsletter: mailchi.mp/gmiau/our-ne...
THREAD
A week ago, we published this statement by the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group. The response has been overwhelming. The group has had many messages of support from our local area and beyond, and people have been inspired to share the message far and wide in their own communities.
A week ago, we published this statement by the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group. The response has been overwhelming. The group has had many messages of support from our local area and beyond, and people have been inspired to share the message far and wide in their own communities.
Asylum seekers, housed in hotels in Manchester, are reaching out in their own words to address the concerns of the local community.
Please take a minute to read their letter, & share it with the people in your life who need to hear the truth about the people they are protesting.
Please take a minute to read their letter, & share it with the people in your life who need to hear the truth about the people they are protesting.
October 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
THREAD
A week ago, we published this statement by the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group. The response has been overwhelming. The group has had many messages of support from our local area and beyond, and people have been inspired to share the message far and wide in their own communities.
A week ago, we published this statement by the Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group. The response has been overwhelming. The group has had many messages of support from our local area and beyond, and people have been inspired to share the message far and wide in their own communities.
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
📣 We’re recruiting! Could you join team Boaz as our new Empowerment and Inclusion Coordinator? Download the recruitment pack (with all the information you need about the role and how to apply) by visiting boaztrust.org.uk/jobs ✨
#hiring #charityjob
#hiring #charityjob
October 30, 2025 at 2:08 PM
📣 We’re recruiting! Could you join team Boaz as our new Empowerment and Inclusion Coordinator? Download the recruitment pack (with all the information you need about the role and how to apply) by visiting boaztrust.org.uk/jobs ✨
#hiring #charityjob
#hiring #charityjob
GM Asylum Hotels Group's statement was featured on BBC North West Tonight yesterday, ending with their words:
"We hope you will see us not as strangers, but as new neighbours."
Watch the clip here 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT48...
"We hope you will see us not as strangers, but as new neighbours."
Watch the clip here 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT48...
Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group Statement featured on BBC North West Tonight
YouTube video by GMIAU
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:51 AM
GM Asylum Hotels Group's statement was featured on BBC North West Tonight yesterday, ending with their words:
"We hope you will see us not as strangers, but as new neighbours."
Watch the clip here 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT48...
"We hope you will see us not as strangers, but as new neighbours."
Watch the clip here 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT48...
Thank you to @manchestereveningnews.co.uk for covering the statement and helping to spread their message even further.
Andy Burnham said: “I think we all should have concerns about the amount of money going into this poorly managed system and the profits made out of it.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Andy Burnham said: “I think we all should have concerns about the amount of money going into this poorly managed system and the profits made out of it.”
We couldn’t agree more.
October 30, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Thank you to @manchestereveningnews.co.uk for covering the statement and helping to spread their message even further.
Andy Burnham said: “I think we all should have concerns about the amount of money going into this poorly managed system and the profits made out of it.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Andy Burnham said: “I think we all should have concerns about the amount of money going into this poorly managed system and the profits made out of it.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
Military sites are unfit to house people fleeing war & persecution.
Falsely sold as 'cost-cutting', these plans come at huge financial & human cost.
Write to your MP - tell them people seeking asylum should be welcomed as our neighbours, not warehoused in camps: actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
Falsely sold as 'cost-cutting', these plans come at huge financial & human cost.
Write to your MP - tell them people seeking asylum should be welcomed as our neighbours, not warehoused in camps: actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
#CommunitiesNotCamps
I've written to my MP to ask them to oppose all camp-style asylum accommodation and house people seeking asylum in safe and suitable housing within communities where they can rebuild their lives in di...
actionnetwork.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Military sites are unfit to house people fleeing war & persecution.
Falsely sold as 'cost-cutting', these plans come at huge financial & human cost.
Write to your MP - tell them people seeking asylum should be welcomed as our neighbours, not warehoused in camps: actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
Falsely sold as 'cost-cutting', these plans come at huge financial & human cost.
Write to your MP - tell them people seeking asylum should be welcomed as our neighbours, not warehoused in camps: actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
3 things Starmer could do instead of camps in old barracks that would actually WORK👇
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
Keir Starmer tries to look tough - and exposes himself as a coward
The government's immigration policy is in desperate need of a bold change in direction.
metro.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 8:13 AM
3 things Starmer could do instead of camps in old barracks that would actually WORK👇
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
1. Create safe, regulated routes to apply for asylum in the UK
2. Let asylum seekers WORK & support themselves
3. Fast track status for people from obviously unsafe countries
metro.co.uk/2025/10/29/k...
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
"Our dreams of a better tomorrow may be similar to yours. We hope you will see us not as strangers, but as new neighbours who want to live in peace" We support these words from asylum seekers in hotels: gmiau.org/greater-manc... Thank you to @gmiau.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 9:07 AM
"Our dreams of a better tomorrow may be similar to yours. We hope you will see us not as strangers, but as new neighbours who want to live in peace" We support these words from asylum seekers in hotels: gmiau.org/greater-manc... Thank you to @gmiau.bsky.social
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
🚨 URGENT: We're launching a campaign to stop this Government tearing families apart – will you join us?
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
October 28, 2025 at 11:05 AM
🚨 URGENT: We're launching a campaign to stop this Government tearing families apart – will you join us?
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
Military sites are never suitable for people seeking protection. We've been here before.
Only yesterday, the Home Affairs Committee pointed out the costs of cruelty - financial and human - warning against 'rushing to deliver short-term solutions that later unravel'.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Only yesterday, the Home Affairs Committee pointed out the costs of cruelty - financial and human - warning against 'rushing to deliver short-term solutions that later unravel'.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Two military sites named as ministers aim to close asylum hotels
Housing asylum seekers in hotels has cost billions, while they have also become a focal point for protests.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Military sites are never suitable for people seeking protection. We've been here before.
Only yesterday, the Home Affairs Committee pointed out the costs of cruelty - financial and human - warning against 'rushing to deliver short-term solutions that later unravel'.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Only yesterday, the Home Affairs Committee pointed out the costs of cruelty - financial and human - warning against 'rushing to deliver short-term solutions that later unravel'.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
A group of ppl with experience of life in asylum hotels across GM have come together to share their perspective.
A message of openness, understanding & hope from people want to be part of their new communities, to contribute, and live safely alongside their neighbours.
Please share far and wide!
A message of openness, understanding & hope from people want to be part of their new communities, to contribute, and live safely alongside their neighbours.
Please share far and wide!
Recently, we have seen an increase in protests and demonstrations outside asylum hotels, driven by misinformation and fear.
Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group have written a statement to respond directly to the concerns and questions they’ve heard from local communities.
Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group have written a statement to respond directly to the concerns and questions they’ve heard from local communities.
Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group: Our response to the protests outside hotels - GMIAU
Statement from a group in Manchester who have lived experience of living in asylum accommodation responding to the racist far-right protests
gmiau.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:28 PM
A group of ppl with experience of life in asylum hotels across GM have come together to share their perspective.
A message of openness, understanding & hope from people want to be part of their new communities, to contribute, and live safely alongside their neighbours.
Please share far and wide!
A message of openness, understanding & hope from people want to be part of their new communities, to contribute, and live safely alongside their neighbours.
Please share far and wide!
Reposted by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
"It is unacceptable that significant amounts of taxpayers’ money is being used to house often vulnerable people in sub-standard accommodation."
This is YET another warning that asylum accommodation is harmful & eye-wateringly expensive. Here's what the Home Affairs Committee report found🧵
This is YET another warning that asylum accommodation is harmful & eye-wateringly expensive. Here's what the Home Affairs Committee report found🧵
October 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"It is unacceptable that significant amounts of taxpayers’ money is being used to house often vulnerable people in sub-standard accommodation."
This is YET another warning that asylum accommodation is harmful & eye-wateringly expensive. Here's what the Home Affairs Committee report found🧵
This is YET another warning that asylum accommodation is harmful & eye-wateringly expensive. Here's what the Home Affairs Committee report found🧵