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Migrating to a new country is a big life decision, not to mention a difficult one. You will come across many different challenges as well as opportunities.
If you are thinking about the United Kingdom as your new home, it will be very helpful for you to understand the benefits and support systems that are available to you as a migrant.
Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry though, we’ve got your back. We’ve put together this article to guide you through the different benefits, rights, and services accessible to migrants in the UK. Let’s take a look at what benefits do migrants get.
1. Access to Public Services
Migrants in the UK can have access to many different public services, depending on their immigration status. We’re going to go through some below.
- Healthcare:
The National Health Service (NHS) is one of the main benefits migrants can get. The NHS gives healthcare services to UK residents. Migrants on work or study visas usually pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This gives them access to NHS services during their stay.
When it comes to those with asylums, although they can’t legally work in the UK, refugees do have the right to work. Organizations like the Refugee Council and Breaking Barriers are very useful in helping refugees find jobs.
- Education:
Primary and Secondary Education:
All children, irrespective of their immigration status, can access free primary and secondary education in the UK.
Higher Education:
People with ILR typically qualify for home fee status but student finance depends on your specific residency and immigration criteria.
Along with this, children who are looking for asylum can also go to state schools for free.
2. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
When it comes to what benefits do migrants get, ILR is an important one of the main goals of many migrants is to get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status. ILR allows individuals to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions.
ILR increases the probability of what benefits do migrants get, for example
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding ILR for at least 12 months, and if they meet other residency and eligibility criteria. Individuals can apply for British citizenship.
- Access to Public Funds: ILR holders can access public funds, including various state benefits and allowances. Unlike those with limited leave to remain.
- Home Student Status: ILR holders can get home student tuition rates at UK universities. Usually, this is lower than international rates.
- Voting Rights: Citizens from the Commonwealth with the ILR status can vote as well as stand as candidates in UK elections.
3. Employment Rights
If you are a migrant with a valid work visa, you have similar rights to UK citizens when it comes to employment.
Let’s look at what benefits do migrants get when it comes to employment and some of the key employment rights.
- Fair Pay: All migrant workers get fair pay. You can’t be paid anything less than the National Minimum Wage. You are also going to be paid for all the hours you’ve worked, including overtime.
- Protection Against Discrimination: You are protected from racist or unfair treatment at work. For example, employers cannot refuse to hire or promote you just because you’re a migrant.
Legally, you can also not be discriminated against as an employee or treated unfairly, especially based on things, such as race, nationality, or ethnic background.
- Safe Working Conditions: Safe working conditions are a right; therefore, your employers must provide a safe and healthy work environment for you.
- Maternity and Paternity Rights
You have the right to maternity leave and maternity pay if you’re pregnant, And employers cannot fire or discriminate against you for being pregnant.
You also have the right to take paternity leave as a new father.
- Right to Join a Union
You have the right to join a trade union to protect your rights and get legal support. Unions help negotiate better working conditions and wages. Plus your employer cannot fire or punish you for being in a union.
You are protected by UK law even if you are a migrant. Therefore, If your employer is unfair to you, there are many organizations you can reach out to for free legal advice, such as
- The Citizen’s Advice
- Migrant Rights Network
- ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
4. Legal Aid and Representation
Legal aid is one of the answers to the question about what benefits do migrants get. Access to legal assistance is very important for migrants making their way through complex immigration laws.
The UK government has recently decided to give more funding for legal aid to help deal with the backlog of asylum appeals. The goal is to speed up the process and lower uncertainty for applicants.
5. Support Services for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
When it comes to what benefits do migrants get for social support, there are many specific support systems for asylum seekers and refugees to help them adjust to their new lives in the UK. We’ve put together some of the basic services you can get as an asylum seeker or refugee. Let’s go ahead and take a look.
- Asylum Seekers:
As an asylum seeker, while you are waiting for a decision on your asylum application, you can get housing and a weekly allowance to cover basic living expenses.
In terms of asylum support, as noted in Section 95.
If you have no money or place to live, you can apply for asylum support. The UK government will give accommodation, and you’ll also get weekly financial support (£47.39 per person as of 2024) for food, clothing, and other essentials.
- Refugees:
As a recognized refugee, you get support for integrating into society as well. You can get different employment services, language courses, and other similar programs to help make your journey run smoothly.
So what benefits do migrants get? One of the benefits you can get as an asylum seeker or refugee is the NHS. You can basically use the NHS for free. This includes GP services, emergency care, maternity services, and mental health support.
You can look up other specifics on the official website.
Conclusion
For migrants planning to move to or currently living in the UK, understanding what benefits do migrants get for support is a very important step for their future.
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding what benefits do migrants get. As you see, they have access to many rights and services. But whether they are eligible for these rights depends on their specific immigration status and circumstances.
At the end of the day, It’s always recommended that you reach out to legal advisors or specific organizations to guide you through the UK’s immigration and support systems. But a little research and expert opinion never hurt.
Good luck!
