Tuesday 22nd May 2018
Those arriving in the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries have been labelled the Windrush generation. It is unclear how many people belong to the Windrush generation, since many of those who arrived as children travelled on parents’ passports and never applied for travel documents – but they are thought to be in their thousands.
There are now 500,000 people resident in the UK who were born in a Commonwealth country and arrived before 1971 – including the Windrush arrivals – according to estimates by Oxford University’s Migration Observatory.
Since implementation of the 1971 Immigration Act, Commonwealth citizens already living in the UK were given indefinite leave to remain. After this, a British passport-holder born overseas could only settle in the UK if they firstly had a work permit and, secondly, could prove that a parent or grandparent had been born in the UK. The Home Office did not keep a record of those granted leave to remain or issue any paperwork confirming it – meaning it is difficult for Windrush arrivals to prove they are in the UK legally.
Many who came from British colonies that had not achieved independence, believed they were British citizens however, now many who lack documents are now being told they need evidence to continue working, get treatment from the NHS – or even to remain in the UK. Changes to immigration law in 2012, which require people to have documentation to work, rent a property or access benefits, including healthcare, have left people fearful about their status
Croydon Council therefore invites Commonwealth British Citizens to an information and advice event supporting Croydon residents and their families affected by the Windrush issues.
Speakers will include representatives from:
Home Office • Elected Representatives • Immigration Specialists
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