Irregular Migration, Refugee Status and the Law

Thousands of people have died, disappeared and suffered mental and physical harm on their dangerous migratory journeys to Europe. addresses an issue which, so far, has been largely omitted from the study of refugee law: the fact that harm experienced during irregular migration is often as serious as harm feared by recognised refugees in their countries of origin. Grundler argues that harm experienced during dangerous journeys can constitute persecution and that a risk of irregular re-migration can form the basis for a claim to refugee status. Drawing insights from a comparative content analysis of trafficked persons’ asylum claims, other disciplines such as psychology and sociology, and additional case law, this book provides readers with new understandings on the scope of the refugee definition, adds new concepts to migration theories and challenges states’ migration control policies.

This (B)OrderS Book Forum, co-organised by Dr Andrew Pitt and Professor Violeta Moreno-Lax, will discuss the key questions that the protection needs of ‘irregularised migrants’ give rise to, exploring the novel approach proposed to the phenomenon of irregular migration by reframing it as a matter of refugee law with author Dr Maja Grundler (Northumbria Law School) and distinguished commentators.

• Dr Janina Pescinski (British Academy

• Professor Elspeth Guild (University of Liverpool)
• Dr Liza Schuster (City University London)

The event will be followed by a drinks reception with all participants.

Founded in 2022, the (B)Orders Centre focuses on the study of bordering, ordering and othering processes through law. It constitutes an excellence hub for intellectual collaboration and the evaluation of the role of law in the making and unmaking of borders and their impact on global (im)mobility. It connects scholars within and beyond Queen Mary Law School to harness existing inter- and multi-disciplinary research into law, borders and (im)mobility and shape future policy and research agendas in response to global challenges.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Room 313, Third Floor, School of Law, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom

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