Victims of 'hostile environment' immigration policies encouraged to claim compensation
Residents who have been adversely affected by the Government’s ‘hostile environment’ immigration policies are being encouraged to apply for compensation.
The Home Office’s ‘Windrush Compensation Scheme’, named after the large numbers of the Windrush generation who have been mistreated over recent years, is available for those who have ‘suffered a loss’ because they could not easily demonstrate their right to live in the UK.
The scheme is open to anyone from a Commonwealth country who arrived before 1 January 1973, and those with a ‘right of abode’ or ‘settled status’ who arrived in the UK before 31 December 1988, regardless of their original nationality. As well as those directly affected, it also covers other family members such as children and carers.
Compensation could be paid for loss of employment, immigration fees incurred, loss of tenancy and being made homeless, impact on health and education, non-access to banking, wrong detention and removal and general impact on ‘normal daily life’.
Last August, Cllr Carole Williams tabled a Council Motion calling for more support for victims of the Windrush scandal, an independent inquiry and an end to ‘Hostile Environment’ policies, and in October she led on the Council’s submission to the compensation scheme consultation.
I’d encourage everyone who feels they have been affected by inhumane treatment at the hands of the Home Office to apply.
“The trauma so many innocent people suffered because of regressive immigration policies is simply unacceptable and it is only right and fair that those affected are compensated.
Information on the compensation scheme and how to apply is available on the Government’s website.
More information on immigration issues is available on the Council’s Windrush webpage.