Meeting of the CPG on Migration Date: Wednesday 4 October 2023 Location: Committee Room 2, with the option to join remotely via Microsoft Teams MSP attendance: • Bob Doris MSP • Paul Sweeney MSP Non-MSP attendance: • David, Office of Bob Doris MSP • Erin, Office of Paul Sweeney MSP • Sheila, Office of Foysol Choudhury MSP • Andrew Sirel, Just Right Scotland • Mhairi Snowden, Human Right Consortium • Bronagh Andrew, TARA • Maryhill Integration Network • VOICES Network • Friends of Scottish Settlers • Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland • Human Right Consortium Scotland • Govan Community Project • LGBT Health • Community Info Source • Lawon • Grampian Regional Equality Council • Yagmur Aksu- Student • Daniel, University of Glasgow • MEND • Professor Alison Phipps • Church of Scotland • Joseph Rowntree Foundation • Marion Byres • Martha Harding • Wellington Church International Welcome Club • Tahmina • NHS GGC • Kingsley Omeihe • British Redcross • Positive Action in Housing • Dan Fisher Apologies: • Outside the Box • John Carins Topics discussed: • Actions from last meeting o Format of meeting minutes will be revised and shorter so people can speak freely about their experiences as advice by clerks. o Paul (MSP) thanked the organizers of right to remain toolkit at the University of Glasgow o Paul (MSP) updated about writing to the minister regarding alternatives to detention following the evaluation of the Kings Arm Project and will update members once there’s a response. • The Impact of the Illegal Migration Act o Andrew Sirel (JRS) gave an overview of the Illegal migration Act which covers Removals, protection claims, leave to remain, detention, age assessment and removal destinations. o Bronagh Andrew (TARA) highlighted the negative impact of the NABA on survivors of trafficking across the UK and shared concerns about how the illegal migration Act will affect survivors. o Mhairi Snowden (HRCS) reflected on specific parts of the bill related to human right and actions and opportunities to respond to. o Twana shared his concerns about how the Act will for affect many asylum seekers. o Members discussed how the Act is going to put many in indefinite limbo, banish the asylum system in the UK and cause a lot of damage to people’s lives.