Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
@j-hagen-zanker.bsky.social
Head Migration and Displacement Hub @odi.global. Migration and social protection. Baking when not working.
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Join our special event tomorrow with leaders of Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms – a courageous grassroots movement redefining what citizen-led humanitarian action looks like. We'll hear insights about Sudan's trajectory & the future of aid.
Sign up to join in London/online: odi.org/en/events/th...
Sign up to join in London/online: odi.org/en/events/th...
November 24, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Join our special event tomorrow with leaders of Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms – a courageous grassroots movement redefining what citizen-led humanitarian action looks like. We'll hear insights about Sudan's trajectory & the future of aid.
Sign up to join in London/online: odi.org/en/events/th...
Sign up to join in London/online: odi.org/en/events/th...
Very pleased to see that in this current race to the bottom, there's a Labour MP out there who's views are based on an understanding of how migration works - this kind of honesty is the only way to "control migration" and regain the public's trust
We should stop the boats because it's dangerous, and we should stop the scapegoating of immigrants because it's wrong and cruel.
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
November 17, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Very pleased to see that in this current race to the bottom, there's a Labour MP out there who's views are based on an understanding of how migration works - this kind of honesty is the only way to "control migration" and regain the public's trust
Racing further to the bottom of the immigration policy pit won't work - it won't stop migraton & won't regain the public's trust. @willforster.bsky.social rightly points out that what is needed is a better funded asylum system - that processes people quickly & the integrates them in work and society
The Government urgently needs to stop the dangerous crossings and fix the asylum system - they mustn’t get distracted chasing Nigel Farage and the Tories. They should focus on processing claims quickly, getting them right first time.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Fast-track deportations to be announced as part of asylum reforms
Plans to end multiple appeals against removal and speed up deportations are expected to be unveiled.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Racing further to the bottom of the immigration policy pit won't work - it won't stop migraton & won't regain the public's trust. @willforster.bsky.social rightly points out that what is needed is a better funded asylum system - that processes people quickly & the integrates them in work and society
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Among the many things wrong with Labour’s immigration strategy, this stands out: to “fight” a few thousand so-called illegal migrants, Shabana Mahmood is willing to make life hell for hundreds of thousands of people who are legally in the UK.
🔗 theconversation.com/labours-plan...
🔗 theconversation.com/labours-plan...
Labour’s plan for migrants to ‘earn’ permanent residency turns belonging into an endless exam
In this hierarchical system, migrants are kept on extended probation and judged by standards never applied to British nationals.
theconversation.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Among the many things wrong with Labour’s immigration strategy, this stands out: to “fight” a few thousand so-called illegal migrants, Shabana Mahmood is willing to make life hell for hundreds of thousands of people who are legally in the UK.
🔗 theconversation.com/labours-plan...
🔗 theconversation.com/labours-plan...
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Mahmoud has listened to same clique of senior Home Office officials who have advised for 30+ years that loud announcements of punitive policies will deter refugees from coming to UK to seek asylum.
Labour did this extensively last time. It didn’t work.
A history thread. +
Labour did this extensively last time. It didn’t work.
A history thread. +
November 17, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Mahmoud has listened to same clique of senior Home Office officials who have advised for 30+ years that loud announcements of punitive policies will deter refugees from coming to UK to seek asylum.
Labour did this extensively last time. It didn’t work.
A history thread. +
Labour did this extensively last time. It didn’t work.
A history thread. +
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Indeed.
Legal migration to the UK is, by definition, "controlled".
This is not a coherent critique (of either New Labour or the Conservatives) either economically or politically.
Legal migration to the UK is, by definition, "controlled".
This is not a coherent critique (of either New Labour or the Conservatives) either economically or politically.
“The belief that uncontrolled legal migration was nothing but good news for an economy should never have been accepted on the Left,” writes Starmer “fighting” populism. What does even mean “uncontrolled” in the case of legal migration? www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/f9444c6...
The Left ignored immigration fears for too long. It’s time to give communities back control
Only a plan for patriotic national renewal led by Labour will counter the rise of the populist Right
www.telegraph.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Indeed.
Legal migration to the UK is, by definition, "controlled".
This is not a coherent critique (of either New Labour or the Conservatives) either economically or politically.
Legal migration to the UK is, by definition, "controlled".
This is not a coherent critique (of either New Labour or the Conservatives) either economically or politically.
Politicians have lost control over immigration not because of high numbers coming but because they have consistently ignored the evidence on how migration works. Control will come from honesty, see: shorturl.at/DKrHL
Lisa Fucking Nandy's on BBC Breakfast & to paraphrase, she's just said that "I see the problems that uncontrolled immigration causes in my town, Wigan."
"Uncontrolled immigration."
Language that could have come from the mouth of Farage or Yaxley.
Our Govt is fucking woeful.
"Uncontrolled immigration."
Language that could have come from the mouth of Farage or Yaxley.
Our Govt is fucking woeful.
September 26, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Politicians have lost control over immigration not because of high numbers coming but because they have consistently ignored the evidence on how migration works. Control will come from honesty, see: shorturl.at/DKrHL
It’s party conference season – and bombastic statements on immigration are at the top of playlists.
I for one am tired of hearing the same old emotionally charged promises that just don’t relate to reality. You too?
Here are five things you should be hearing about immigration, but won’t be.
I for one am tired of hearing the same old emotionally charged promises that just don’t relate to reality. You too?
Here are five things you should be hearing about immigration, but won’t be.
It's party conference season in the UK – and immigration will again be one of the big talking points.
In a new blog, @j-hagen-zanker.bsky.social highlights 5 realities about migration repeatedly evidenced by research which we won't be hearing from politicians.
In a new blog, @j-hagen-zanker.bsky.social highlights 5 realities about migration repeatedly evidenced by research which we won't be hearing from politicians.
Five things you should be hearing about immigration, but won’t be
Realities about migration and displacement that you won't hear from politicians during party conference season in the UK.
odi.org
September 26, 2025 at 8:43 AM
It’s party conference season – and bombastic statements on immigration are at the top of playlists.
I for one am tired of hearing the same old emotionally charged promises that just don’t relate to reality. You too?
Here are five things you should be hearing about immigration, but won’t be.
I for one am tired of hearing the same old emotionally charged promises that just don’t relate to reality. You too?
Here are five things you should be hearing about immigration, but won’t be.
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
📢 NEW RESEARCH: With extensive knowledge of local contexts and roots within crisis-affected communities, why are women-led organisations still chronically underfunded and excluded from decision-making? Our new paper from @this-is-cate.bsky.social & @megandaigle.bsky.social explores: buff.ly/NAjy6qJ
September 11, 2025 at 11:13 AM
📢 NEW RESEARCH: With extensive knowledge of local contexts and roots within crisis-affected communities, why are women-led organisations still chronically underfunded and excluded from decision-making? Our new paper from @this-is-cate.bsky.social & @megandaigle.bsky.social explores: buff.ly/NAjy6qJ
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Podcast on who is the anti-migration agenda actually serving & what are the alternatives? Insights from the MIGNEX project, which gathered a range of perspectives on migration & global development. With Leander Kandilige @j-hagen-zanker.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/5ql4...
Bitter Carrots: A Restrictive Migration Agenda
The Migration Oxford Podcast · Episode
open.spotify.com
August 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Podcast on who is the anti-migration agenda actually serving & what are the alternatives? Insights from the MIGNEX project, which gathered a range of perspectives on migration & global development. With Leander Kandilige @j-hagen-zanker.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/5ql4...
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Mass deportations are not a new strategy in US politics. But it's time to move beyond the excessive securitisation approach, say @this-is-cate.bsky.social & Yacine Ait-Larbi, and recognise that migration can benefit everyone – host countries, migrants and countries of origin. Read on: bit.ly/4mCzsmb
Rethinking deportations from the US: from lose–lose to win–win
Mass deportations are not a new strategy in US politics. But it's time to move beyond the excessive securitisation approach.
bit.ly
August 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Mass deportations are not a new strategy in US politics. But it's time to move beyond the excessive securitisation approach, say @this-is-cate.bsky.social & Yacine Ait-Larbi, and recognise that migration can benefit everyone – host countries, migrants and countries of origin. Read on: bit.ly/4mCzsmb
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
#Syria’s interim govt has announced its first post-Assad elections, but deep societal fractures & recent violence highlight the ongoing fragile situation. HPG researcher Leen Fouad urges global humanitarians to prioritise safety, localisation & accountability going forward – read on: bit.ly/41qOSBF
How humanitarians can support Syria's fragile post-conflict transition
Syria’s interim government has announced its first post-Assad elections, but deep societal fractures and recent violence highlight the ongoing fragile situation.
bit.ly
August 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
#Syria’s interim govt has announced its first post-Assad elections, but deep societal fractures & recent violence highlight the ongoing fragile situation. HPG researcher Leen Fouad urges global humanitarians to prioritise safety, localisation & accountability going forward – read on: bit.ly/41qOSBF
Is subjective or objective inequality a more powerful predictor of migration aspirations? Read our new #MIGNEX paper in PSP to find out: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
How Economic Inequalities Shape International Migration Aspirations: A Multilevel Analysis of Perceptions and Context
Economic inequality between countries has long been recognized as a key driver of international migration. However, inequality within communities of origin has received far less attention in the lite....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
July 8, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Is subjective or objective inequality a more powerful predictor of migration aspirations? Read our new #MIGNEX paper in PSP to find out: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Tackling the 'root causes' of migration may seems to make sense intuitively, but doesn’t match how people actually make decisions about migration, say @j-hagen-zanker.bsky.social and @jorgencarling.bsky.social – and may even lead to misguided policies. Read on: buff.ly/ggdsuJx
Co-Lab | Should we tackle the ‘root causes’ of migration? Likely, no.
While the hardships that can spur people to migrate cannot be ignored, the well-intended idea of tackling the ‘root causes’ of migration can easily yield misguided policy.
buff.ly
May 29, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Tackling the 'root causes' of migration may seems to make sense intuitively, but doesn’t match how people actually make decisions about migration, say @j-hagen-zanker.bsky.social and @jorgencarling.bsky.social – and may even lead to misguided policies. Read on: buff.ly/ggdsuJx
One particular policy fixation that does not seem to go out of fashion is to "tackle the root causes of migration". Does reducing hardships lower migration aspirations? @jorgencarling.bsky.social answer this in 800 words using #MIGNEX data from more than 13,000 interviews.
👉 shorturl.at/CrPs3
👉 shorturl.at/CrPs3
Co-Lab | Should we tackle the ‘root causes’ of migration? Likely, no.
shorturl.at
May 22, 2025 at 9:09 AM
One particular policy fixation that does not seem to go out of fashion is to "tackle the root causes of migration". Does reducing hardships lower migration aspirations? @jorgencarling.bsky.social answer this in 800 words using #MIGNEX data from more than 13,000 interviews.
👉 shorturl.at/CrPs3
👉 shorturl.at/CrPs3
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
There has never been a more important time to uphold the protection of civilians. Join us at Protection of Civilians Week as we discuss re-centring protection amidst a world in flux.
📆 23 May
🕗 15:00-16:30 EDT/20:00-21:30 UK time
📍 Online/in-person (NY, USA)
🔗 RSVP: buff.ly/FxgKVdn #PoCweek2025
📆 23 May
🕗 15:00-16:30 EDT/20:00-21:30 UK time
📍 Online/in-person (NY, USA)
🔗 RSVP: buff.ly/FxgKVdn #PoCweek2025
Reducing violence and its impacts on civilians: how to re-centre protection amidst a world in flux
In conversation with leading protection experts, this roundtable will examine concrete approaches and interventions to meet this challenge including humanitarian diplomacy, dialogue, mediation, community...
odi.org
May 15, 2025 at 2:34 PM
There has never been a more important time to uphold the protection of civilians. Join us at Protection of Civilians Week as we discuss re-centring protection amidst a world in flux.
📆 23 May
🕗 15:00-16:30 EDT/20:00-21:30 UK time
📍 Online/in-person (NY, USA)
🔗 RSVP: buff.ly/FxgKVdn #PoCweek2025
📆 23 May
🕗 15:00-16:30 EDT/20:00-21:30 UK time
📍 Online/in-person (NY, USA)
🔗 RSVP: buff.ly/FxgKVdn #PoCweek2025
Last week we sent the inaugeral edition of "The Migration Brief", @odi.global's Migration & Displacement Hub's newsletter, bringing together our insights help to understand and navigate the complexities of migration
✉️ Sign up here to receive the next edition: odi.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
✉️ Sign up here to receive the next edition: odi.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
May 14, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Last week we sent the inaugeral edition of "The Migration Brief", @odi.global's Migration & Displacement Hub's newsletter, bringing together our insights help to understand and navigate the complexities of migration
✉️ Sign up here to receive the next edition: odi.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
✉️ Sign up here to receive the next edition: odi.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
One week to go! 🗓️
Join us on 13 May in London (or online) to hear @ugentilini.bsky.social discuss the roots of modern cash transfer dilemmas and share lessons for contemporary challenges.
Find out more and sign up ⤵️
Join us on 13 May in London (or online) to hear @ugentilini.bsky.social discuss the roots of modern cash transfer dilemmas and share lessons for contemporary challenges.
Find out more and sign up ⤵️
Cash transfers reach millions of people. When did they start, how did they spread and what lessons can this provide for future social protection design?
On 13 May, @ugentilini.bsky.social joins us to share findings from his new book, #TimelyCash.
Sign up (in person/online): odi.org/en/events/in...
On 13 May, @ugentilini.bsky.social joins us to share findings from his new book, #TimelyCash.
Sign up (in person/online): odi.org/en/events/in...
May 6, 2025 at 4:43 PM
One week to go! 🗓️
Join us on 13 May in London (or online) to hear @ugentilini.bsky.social discuss the roots of modern cash transfer dilemmas and share lessons for contemporary challenges.
Find out more and sign up ⤵️
Join us on 13 May in London (or online) to hear @ugentilini.bsky.social discuss the roots of modern cash transfer dilemmas and share lessons for contemporary challenges.
Find out more and sign up ⤵️
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
The recent #MyanmarEarthquake has compounded existing humanitarian needs, while the military persists with airstrikes. Join us online for a discussion exploring the many deeply contested dynamics in Myanmar during this critical moment.
🗓️ 9 April
🕑 1pm BST/6:30pm Myanmar Time
🎟️ RSVP: buff.ly/UBVuIPg
🗓️ 9 April
🕑 1pm BST/6:30pm Myanmar Time
🎟️ RSVP: buff.ly/UBVuIPg
April 3, 2025 at 10:06 AM
The recent #MyanmarEarthquake has compounded existing humanitarian needs, while the military persists with airstrikes. Join us online for a discussion exploring the many deeply contested dynamics in Myanmar during this critical moment.
🗓️ 9 April
🕑 1pm BST/6:30pm Myanmar Time
🎟️ RSVP: buff.ly/UBVuIPg
🗓️ 9 April
🕑 1pm BST/6:30pm Myanmar Time
🎟️ RSVP: buff.ly/UBVuIPg
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
🚨 THIS WEEK: We're heading to #HNPW, a major humanitarian conference. HPG's @kerrie115.bsky.social, @j0hnbryant.bsky.social, @verobarbelet.bsky.social & Leen Fouad will be exploring the key issues facing our sector in 2025 and beyond – more info + RSVP to join online/in-person → buff.ly/WmUVKHC
HPG at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks 2025
Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) is a major annual humanitarian conference providing a collaborative space for humanitarian practitioners and experts, including HPG.
buff.ly
March 24, 2025 at 2:37 PM
🚨 THIS WEEK: We're heading to #HNPW, a major humanitarian conference. HPG's @kerrie115.bsky.social, @j0hnbryant.bsky.social, @verobarbelet.bsky.social & Leen Fouad will be exploring the key issues facing our sector in 2025 and beyond – more info + RSVP to join online/in-person → buff.ly/WmUVKHC
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
In light of a rise in populist politics and anti-immigration protest in the UK, a new paper by our Distinguished Fellow Vince Cable explores the underlying drivers – how policy-makers are managing these tensions.
The evolving politics of immigration in the UK
This paper attempts to trace the underlying drivers behind the politics in the UK. The established consensus that ‘immigration is good for the economy’, even ‘necessary’, is colliding with strong...
buff.ly
March 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
In light of a rise in populist politics and anti-immigration protest in the UK, a new paper by our Distinguished Fellow Vince Cable explores the underlying drivers – how policy-makers are managing these tensions.
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
📣 We're heading to Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks!
From 20-27 March, we'll be taking part in a range of discussions to unpack the increasingly pressing issues that currently challenge the humanitarian sector.
🔗 More info & register to attend: buff.ly/KLBWelQ #HNPW
From 20-27 March, we'll be taking part in a range of discussions to unpack the increasingly pressing issues that currently challenge the humanitarian sector.
🔗 More info & register to attend: buff.ly/KLBWelQ #HNPW
HPG at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks 2025
Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) is a major annual humanitarian conference providing a collaborative space for humanitarian practitioners and experts, including HPG.
buff.ly
March 12, 2025 at 3:36 PM
📣 We're heading to Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks!
From 20-27 March, we'll be taking part in a range of discussions to unpack the increasingly pressing issues that currently challenge the humanitarian sector.
🔗 More info & register to attend: buff.ly/KLBWelQ #HNPW
From 20-27 March, we'll be taking part in a range of discussions to unpack the increasingly pressing issues that currently challenge the humanitarian sector.
🔗 More info & register to attend: buff.ly/KLBWelQ #HNPW
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Here's a small, 15-year-old scoop: I found a 2010 guide on how to beat the far right written by Morgan McSweeney. Since he's now Keir Starmer's chief of staff, I used it to assess what Labour is doing to beat the far right in 2025.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4... @lrb.co.uk
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4... @lrb.co.uk
Daniel Trilling · Short Cuts: Labour’s Immigration Policy
www.lrb.co.uk
March 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Here's a small, 15-year-old scoop: I found a 2010 guide on how to beat the far right written by Morgan McSweeney. Since he's now Keir Starmer's chief of staff, I used it to assess what Labour is doing to beat the far right in 2025.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4... @lrb.co.uk
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4... @lrb.co.uk
At the event “Migration – is the media getting it right?” convened by @odi.global & @ibtrust.bsky.social we explored the process, challenges & impacts of migration coverage w/ journalists, media & migration experts. I was thrilled to contribute to the esteemed panel - recording available from IBT.
February 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM
At the event “Migration – is the media getting it right?” convened by @odi.global & @ibtrust.bsky.social we explored the process, challenges & impacts of migration coverage w/ journalists, media & migration experts. I was thrilled to contribute to the esteemed panel - recording available from IBT.
Reposted by Dr Jessica Hagen-Zanker
Migration does not have to be what it is now
Innovation can change what migration *is*—more orderly, skilled, integrated, & tangibly beneficial to everyone affected
In 2012 I proposed one way: Global Skill Partnerships
The World Bank just released a major GSP roadmap—> hdl.handle.net/10986/42780
Innovation can change what migration *is*—more orderly, skilled, integrated, & tangibly beneficial to everyone affected
In 2012 I proposed one way: Global Skill Partnerships
The World Bank just released a major GSP roadmap—> hdl.handle.net/10986/42780
February 21, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Migration does not have to be what it is now
Innovation can change what migration *is*—more orderly, skilled, integrated, & tangibly beneficial to everyone affected
In 2012 I proposed one way: Global Skill Partnerships
The World Bank just released a major GSP roadmap—> hdl.handle.net/10986/42780
Innovation can change what migration *is*—more orderly, skilled, integrated, & tangibly beneficial to everyone affected
In 2012 I proposed one way: Global Skill Partnerships
The World Bank just released a major GSP roadmap—> hdl.handle.net/10986/42780