Covid-19 exposed and exacerbated existing issues. Migrant workers have been at the front-line of the crisis, working in essential services, including the NHS, often risking their own lives and health. Many have insecure immigration status, insecure employment, and no welfare safety net if they become ill or lose their jobs. People have been facing increased destitution and homelessness, vulnerability to declining health and severe safeguarding issues.

Evidence has shown that migrant homelessness is rising steeply across the UK - in London almost 70% of those housed in emergency temporary accommodation during the pandemic had unclear or insecure immigration status. As economic and social disruption caused by Covid-19 continues through 2021 and beyond, the acute needs of those we exist to support are likely to become further entrenched.

Brexit means the end of freedom of movement and the end of shared rights to residence, employment, and services. Millions of EU citizens must register under the Government’s EU Settlement Scheme before the end of June 2021, after this time they will become undocumented and criminalised, losing their rights to live and work in the UK, despite long-residence. Many thousands of people are unaware that they need to register, or have problems in doing so, and there is already confusion and discrimination as service providers demand documents that EU citizens do not have.

In 2021 we will see the introduction of a new immigration system and likely changes to the Human Rights Act, both of which will impact negatively on the people we support. Influencing national political agendas has become harder. Far right extremism is on the rise. Public discourse on migrants, refugees and race issues is becoming ever more hostile with political rhetoric around ‘activist lawyers’, ‘culture wars and unprecedented attempts to prevent people seeking asylum reaching the UK.

Statutory and voluntary service providers are better able to identify and address the needs of people who have migrated or have family migration histories, therefore at Tulia we campaign for the improved implementation of local authority support for migrant families.

Migrants were at higher risk of homelessness, destitution, exploitation and abuse in the aftermath of Covid-19, especially those with complex cases and No Recourse to Public Funds. Find out what actions Tulia took here.