The state of migration: building the foundation for change

The state of migration: building the foundation for change

The issues facing migrants, and surrounding migration in general, are varied, multifaceted and complex. At the Migrant Voice conference, held on the 27th and 28th of February 2025, we covered a snapshot of some of the areas we have been focused on, and looked deeper into the issues themselves.

First on the agenda was our panel looking at the context of the “migration debate”. We heard how hostile rhetoric, both in the media and from politicians, has made the situation worse, led to far-right riots, and put migrants in a fear for their lives, and their futures. We heard how more restrictive border and immigration policies were making things worse. We also heard that there was hope for the future, through coordinated activities, raising public awareness, and empowering migrants. 

The empowerment of migrants, and need to work together, was a common theme throughout the conference. Our panel on the injustices faced by migrants, such as through the situation of international students unjustly stripped of their right to study, and the Windrush Scandal, heard how being heard in the media can elevate the issues, and push pressure on policymakers to make a change for the better. We also heard though how the justice system often fails to treat migrants with the respect they deserve, rather it treats them as people to be excluded.

We heard how the extortionate costs of visas, restrictive schemes and long routes were exacerbating the exploitation of migrants, and how politicians themselves used this exploitation to yet again promote divisive lines which see migrants scapegoated for the wider issues. 

Bringing together experts from the UK, across the European Union, and as far afield as Nigeria, we discussed ways in which we can ensure that there are better pathways to regularisation for migrants who become undocumented, and the need to end hideous policies of deportation which have seen so many people removed to countries where they have no connections.

Finally, in our last panel we talked about the potential, and urgent need, for anti-racism education, not only in schools, but as part of larger efforts to combat the rising tide of violence and hate we have seen, including the far-right riots in 2024 which swept across the country.

Through our workshops we worked with migrants, campaigners and organisers to look at how we can better advocate for ourselves, use our creative talents to engage new audiences and get our stories out there, talk to the media to ensure that our voices are heard in this debate, and worth together to coordinate our activities for more successful outcome in the future.
This conference was not just a time to inform, it was a time to celebrate. It marked 15 years of Migrant Voice highlighting the voices of migrants. It marked 15 years of us speaking for ourselves. Sadly, it also showed that 15 years after Migrant Voice began there is still work to do.

This conference was just one step on the road we are all on. It brought together people of different, and diverse, backgrounds with a common goal, to fight for the rights of migrants. Our panels and workshops were varied, the topics complex and deep. Questions were asked, not all with answers now, but all with the drive to find them. Throughout we showed that there is hope, there are ways forward, there is the opportunity for a better future for all migrants, from all backgrounds, and that comes through working together, using our strengths as individuals and communities, engaging with people on terms they understand, and showing that we are, have always been, and will continue to be, part of the fabric of our communities. 

Together we have built a foundation for change.