The United Kingdom recently passed a new immigration law called the Illegal Migration Act. The passage of this new law has stirred debates about its effects on immigrants, particularly those seeking a better life on British soil. While the Act is positioned as a measure to curb illegal immigration and safeguard national security, its consequences have far-reaching implications for Nigerians and other Africans striving to build a future in the UK.
Some contextual background: First enacted in 2016, the UK’s Illegal Migration Act introduced a range of provisions to strengthen immigration control, including measures to make it more difficult for undocumented migrants to access healthcare, housing, and other public services. The legislation also expanded the powers of immigration officials, enabling them to carry out arrests and detention more effectively.
At its core, the Act sought to create a legal framework for addressing various aspects of illegal migration, including measures to deter undocumented immigrants from residing in the UK and to facilitate deportation processes.
While proponents argue that the Act is necessary to protect resources and prevent abuse of the immigration system, critics express apprehensions about its potential negative impact, particularly on vulnerable groups such as asylum seekers and refugees.
They contend that the Act’s stringent measures may inadvertently target legitimate migrants, creating barriers to accessing essential services and undermining human rights.
The latest: A new version of this Act was recently passed in the UK in 2023. This recent Act received royal accent on 20 July 2023. This new version of the bill has raised controversy both within and outside the United Kingdom.
The United Nations Agency Human Rights agency have spoken against the new Act. is at variance with the country’s obligations under international human rights and refugee law and will have profound consequences for people in need of international protection. This is according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi warned It gives immigrants in the UK and intent intending immigrants to the country a lot to worry about.
The Act has heightened vulnerabilities and fears amongst the immigrant community. As it stands the Illegal Migration Act changes the law so that those who arrive in the UK illegally will not be able to stay and will instead be detained and then promptly removed, either to their home country or a safe third country. This includes very vulnerable and genuinely helpless asylum seekers.
Going forward, how you arrive in the UK matters greatly in deciding whether you will stay or not. Gone are the days when arriving in the UK is the beginning of settlement for any immigrant. Right now, arriving in the UK might actually be the beginning of more worries for you.
More reasons why you should worry: The Act’s enforcement measures have led to heightened vulnerabilities among immigrants, especially those without proper documentation. Fear of deportation or detainment lingers as immigrants face increased scrutiny and stringent eligibility criteria for staying in the country.
Families are often torn apart, leaving loved ones separated due to deportation orders, which in turn engender deep emotional scars. More pressures are continually put on immigrants even from other non-immigration related angles, such as family law areas.
This includes the actions of social services and children’s welfare services in the UK. Policies about child safeguarding are implemented to the extreme to victimise immigrant families. Cultural needs and historical experiences are only mentioned but never really considered thoroughly. Decisions are made over immigrant families in complete disregard to their cultural background.
Barriers to accessing services: The Illegal Migration Act has effectively created barriers for immigrants to access essential services. Access to housing, healthcare, education, and other public services becomes complex as documentation requirements grow more stringent.
As an undocumented immigrant, renting accommodation is near impossible. This is also the same case in getting a job or opening a bank account. Many immigrants, even those with legitimate claims for residency, are left in limbo due to the challenges posed by the Act’s requirements.
Psychological and mental health impact: The psychological toll on immigrants under the shadow of the Illegal Migration Act is profound. Living in perpetual fear of detention or deportation will take a toll on your mental health, leading to anxiety and stress.
This emotional burden extends to families as well, as parents struggle to provide a sense of security and stability for their children in an uncertain environment. Challenges that come from this obvious struggle might sometimes put you at the risk of loosing your children to the government.
What you can do? First, you must re-evaluate if coming to the United Kingdom is a must for you. You must deeply reassess your priorities to determine if relocation is even your best option. If it is, then you must give the choice of the UK a second thought.
If you must come to the UK as an immigrant with the intention to stay, then how you enter the UK matters a lot. Entering through any illegal means automatically denies you any chance of staying in the UK. To fully understand what constitutes illegal entry into the UK, you must consult an immigration lawyer for proper advice.
