Hatnews

Migrants vital for success of UK companies

Webmaster — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:56:33 +0000

Foreignersinuk – London business leaders have made it clear that the inflow of foreign workers is important for the success of their companies.

The assertion comes at a time when the general election is just round the corner; and immigration issue is weighing on the voters’ mind.

As per the details of the survey by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported by the Financial Times, UK, the majority of London companies asserted that the migrants’ flow into the city was vital for the capital to retain its competitive edge.

MDC ministers to get back their portfolios

Webmaster — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:47:02 +0000

ZimOnline – President Robert Mugabe has agreed during his two-day meetings with South African President Jacob Zuma to give back ministers from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC party functions and responsibilities he had unilaterally stripped them of, a source close to the power-sharing talks told ZimOnline Thursday.

The source, who spoke on condition that he remained anonymous, said the amendments gazetted two weeks ago, which saw several MDC ministers being stripped of their powers will now be shelved.

New route for highly skilled migrants

Webmaster — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:40:27 +0000

Foreignersinuk – A new points tables for Tier 1 and Tier 2; a simpler route for very highly skilled workers without Master’s degrees; greater flexibility for short-term transfers by multinational companies; and lowering the marriage visa age to 18 for serving members of the armed forces and their partners — these are the highlights of the changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system, and marriage visas for the armed forces members.
Changes have also been announced to prevent asylum applicants from claiming humanitarian protection, where there are serious reasons for considering they have engaged in undesirable behaviour.

Changes in UK immigration policy for skilled and highly skilled

Webmaster — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:45:28 +0000

Foreignersinuk – With the British Government announcing significant changes to its immigration policy for the skilled and highly skilled professionals, the criteria of earnings has been increased.
Under the new rules, applicable from April 6, the minimum previous earnings for those applying under Tier I has been increased from the current £20,000 to £25,000 pounds.

For Tier II, the minimum prospective earnings have been increased from £17,000 to £20,000 pounds. The highest earnings entry has been set at £32,000, increased from £24,000.

Route to settlement for Refugees

Webmaster — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:03:41 +0000

UKBA – The UK Border Agency has announced that refugees and migrants with humanitarian protection in the UK will be allowed to apply for settlement and British citizenship under the current rules if their initial five-year permission to stay here will end between August 2010 and the date when the new system of ‘earned citizenship’ comes into force (scheduled for July 2011).

If you were granted refugee status or humanitarian protection between August 2005 and July 2006, and your initial five-year permission to stay will expire before earned citizenship comes into force, you will still be able to apply for settlement (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). You will be expected to apply no more than 28 days before your initial permission to stay expires.

Greece asylum law and practice not compliant – CECHR

Webmaster — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:56:59 +0000

Free Movement – The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights has intervened in a Strasbourg case on Greek refugee protection – or rather lack of it:

The Commissioner concluded that current asylum law and practice in Greece are not in compliance with international and European human rights standards, expressing at the same time his full support to the Greek government’s decision and ongoing efforts to overhaul the refugee protection system and overcome its current serious deficiencies.

A turbulent political history of Madagascar

Webmaster — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:02:20 +0000

IRIN

Madagascar’s history is marked by a struggle for political control. By 1700, France and England had attempted to establish settlements, while the rulers of the island’s many kingdoms fought among themselves for dominance.

During the 1700s the Merina ethnic group gained control of the central plateau and established a monarchy; with British help they eventually ruled most of the island. Their reign came to an end when French marines landed on the island in the 1880s and France instituted colonial rule.

Belgrave Library hosts health and well-being event

Webmaster — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:55:53 +0000

By Tichaona Manomano

The Belgrave health and well being event held on Saturday 20 February was organised and hosted by the Belgrave library in partnership with Cosington Street Sports Centre and The Belgrave sure Start Children’s centre. This event was attended by many organisations which included;

1.   NHS
2.   Leicester police
3.   The Peepul centre(gym facilities etc)
4.   Leicestershire AIDS Support Services
5.   Leicester mental health carers project
6.   Rushey Mead Sports and Science College
7.   National AIDS trust
8.   Partnership plus (NHS)
9.   Knighton tennis centre
10.   Stop smoking groups (NHS)

These groups showcased to the community what they provide in terms of services.

Healthy Lifestyle
The event was a fun way to learn about leading a healthy life and taking care of one’s physiological needs. The Rushey Mead Sports and Science College (RMSSC) gave advice on how to take care of the body’s physical needs. This was summed up by the following words in one of their brochures, “…30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday will aid loss, reduce the risk of heart disease and lead to a healthier life style”. Healthy living was the main theme for the event.

The RMSSC took time to measure anyone’s Body Mass Index (BMI). This process helped people to check their BMI to see if they are leading a healthy lifestyle. BMI is assessed by simply measuring the height of an individual and their weight and then averaging the two using a point system that can show whether one is maintaining the recommended levels. Available statistics however reveal that people do not really bother to check their BMI.

Policing Pledge
Police Constable, Liam McManus took time to explain to those present, the role of the police in keeping communities safe by following the policing pledge. This is a promise made by the police to prevent and reduce criminal activities through the promotion of community cohesion and integration programmes.

Activities
The day’s activities included Bollywood dancing (traditional Idian dances), armchair aerobics (for fun and exercising), swimming and water polo. Overall, it was a well organised and well attended day and due credit should go to Farida and Roy of the Belgrave Library for such a wonderful occassion that had everything for everyone.

Tichaona Manomano is a community reporter with HAT News

IDP numbers up in Afghanistan – UN

Webmaster — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:45:37 +0000

IRIN

Full Story

Asylum deportation flights need rights monitors, EU says

Webmaster — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:17:00 +0000

The Guardian