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SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE MIGRANTS
Facts and Figures
30,000+
200+
For those with an unclear immigration status, the consequences can be severe, potentially preventing them from fulfilling basic needs or joining their communities, which in turn fosters anxiety and insecurity.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the United Kingdom is dedicated to providing essential immigration support to vulnerable individuals, helping them navigate complex immigration processes, overcome language barriers, and access the necessary guidance to secure their legal status. Through a combination of direct assistance, capacity building, and partnership engagement, IOM UK strives to address the unique needs of at-risk populations and empower both individuals and the organisations that serve them.
Collaborating closely with Local Authorities, Strategic Migration Partnerships, and Third Sector organisations across the UK, IOM works to identify and support vulnerable individuals who face difficulties navigating immigration systems. By raising awareness of the barriers these individuals encounter, IOM UK helps ensure that those most at risk receive the support they need to secure their status and participate fully in their communities.
Since 2019, IOM UK has led a consortium dedicated to reaching over 31,000 vulnerable individuals with information about the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and has provided direct immigration advice and casework support to over 8,000 vulnerable individuals, enabling them to access the EUSS. Between April 2022 and March 2024, more than half of these cases were referred to IOM UK by Local Authorities, underscoring the essential role of local partnerships in providing critical assistance to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling into destitution. These collaborations are vital for addressing the needs of individuals who might otherwise be left without guidance, and they also help build Local Authority capacity to tackle these challenges.
As a registered OISC level 3 Immigration and Asylum and Protection organisation, IOM UK offers comprehensive assistance to individuals facing complex immigration challenges, ensuring they receive the specialised guidance needed to navigate their cases effectively.
IOM UK offers direct immigration advice and casework services, connecting vulnerable individuals with professional interpreters to bridge language barriers and ensure that non-native speakers can fully understand and engage with the immigration process. This support extends beyond direct assistance to include second-tier advice for frontline staff and social workers, enabling them to reach a broader community with accurate immigration guidance. To further bolster community support for at-risk migrants, IOM UK conducts capacity-building workshops for partner organisations, raising awareness about common immigration challenges and available resources.
Lee and his family arrived in the UK from Hong Kong through the BN (O) visa route (British National (Overseas)). Due to his severe medical conditions, Lee struggled to find full-time employment. His wife's part-time work did not provide sufficient income for the family to survive, and they were struggling to pay for their rent and necessities. The family were referred to IOM by a local Third Sector organisation.
IOM assessed the family's situation and found that they were at risk of imminent destitution and therefore eligible to make a Change of Conditions application. IOM assisted the family in making a successful application, enabling them to have the No Recourse to Public Funds restriction lifted from their visas so they could access public funds. With IOM and referral partner's assistance, the family were able to overcome the difficulties they faced in their new life in the UK and take back control of their lives.
Malai and her daughter Hom are Thai nationals who fled their family home in the UK due to domestic abuse perpetrated by Malais British partner. They had become destitute and were referred to IOM by the Local Authority for immigration advice and assistance. They were initially advised to apply for the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (formerly the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession) , to provide a short period of independent immigration status and recourse to public funds so they could access the required support including temporary housing from a local refuge.
This concession was granted, and IOM subsequently assisted Malai and Hom with gathering evidence for and applying for the Domestic Violence Route of Settlement (SET (DV)). To date the application is still pending but IOM will continue to liaise with the Home Office and relevant agencies until the family have secured Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. IOM and partners' assistance enables vulnerable migrants to leave abusive relationships and move to a position of safety and support.
Ali, Sara and their three children are Syrian nationals, referred to IOM by their Local Authority support worker. They had arrived in the UK from Lebanon nearly five years prior through the UK's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and their refugee Leave to Remain was due to expire. The scheme set up by the Local Authority to support the family in their integration to the UK was also coming to an end. Due to language and literacy barriers the family were unable to complete their applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain themselves. They were also unable to attend a biometrics appointment for their new residence cards to be issued due to Ali's health and mobility issues.
IOM assisted the family with Settlement Protection applications and arranged for the Mobile Biometrics Unit to visit the family at their home. IOM also liaised with various agencies to ensure that their right to work and access disability benefits were not impacted while the application was pending They were all granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and are now considering making applications for British citizenship. IOM and partner's assistance enables vulnerable migrants to fully integrate into life in the UK.