The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants are launching a report based on interviews with undocumented migrants, exploring some of the systemic issues they have faced as a result of the UK's Hostile Environment policies.
A free Zoom launch event took place on Tuesday 18 January 2022 including a panel discussion, chaired by Clive Lewis MP, with guests:
Caitlin Boswell, report author
Blessing, contributor to the report
Francesca Humi, Kanlungan Filipino Consortium
‘We also want to be safe - undocumented migrants facing COVID in a Hostile Environment’ focuses on the stories of 10 undocumented people, and three people who work alongside and support migrants.
The JCWI has the following recommendations, following the publication of this report:
The public COVID inquiry must include the voices and experiences of migrants, including those who are undocumented
End the Hostile Environment
Ensure everyone can rely on the public safety net
Introduce a firewall between the NHS and the Home Office and suspend NHS charging
Introduce a new, simplified route to regularisation based on five years’ residence, with visa application fees at cost price
Make all visa routes affordable
Abolish the offence of illegal working and introduce a work permit system allowing lawful residence based on lawful employment.
