During March, April and May 2020, the charity dealt with 1,538 enquiries on benefits compared to 731 during the same period in 2019.
Migrants without recourse to public funds face significant problems if they are thrown out of work due to the coronavirus-induced economic crash, as they cannot claim back any payments from the welfare system. The potential scale of the problem was illustrated in research by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, which showed that nearly 1.4 million people are living in the UK on a visa that prevents them from claiming benefits. Some of these people are eligible to apply to have the conditions lifted, and many of them will not find themselves out of work, but even if only a small proportion affected it will cause a severe problem.
Citizens Advice said that the crisis is having a “disproportionate impact” for people of colour, with 82% of the people asking for advice over the past year being of a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.
The figures were published in a new report called how immigration rules prevent people from getting support during the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommended that the temporary suspension of certain conditions, as well as an end to the habitual residence test, which makes it hard for EU citizens to claim.
Scarsdale Immigration Solicitors
Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester and Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale are continually monitoring the evolving COVID19 (Coronavirus) situation and following all guidance and advice that is issued by the NHS, Public Health England and the UK Government. Our Manchester Immigration solicitors, Rochdale immigration solicitors and Oldham immigration solicitors can rest assured that we remain open for business to support you at this time.
