Thank you for getting in touch with me on the issue of migrants working in the UK and the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition. I join the Government in its support of our key migrant workers and appreciate the valuable contributions they make to the UK economy.
I can confirm that migrants in the UK with no recourse to public funds are eligible for a variety of Coronavirus-related Government support measures. These include eligibility for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Coronavirus Self-employed Income Support Scheme, alongside Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
The Home Office acknowledges concerns that some people may have about the status of their employment visa when accessing this Government support. I would like to assure you that employer-sponsored migrants on Tier 2 visas will not be penalised for any changes in their employment status as a result of Coronavirus. Advice has been issued for employers sponsoring anyone on a UK employment visa.
On your points about support for the vulnerable, the Home Secretary announced crucial measures to support victims of domestic abuse during the Coronavirus restrictions. I urge anybody in a position of domestic abuse to read this guidance and access the support available to them. As always, if someone is in immediate danger, they should call 999 and ask for the police. They can also dial 999 and then press 55 to receive assistance without having to talk.
Local Government support has been increased by the Government and local authorities have received guidance on how to ensure all rough sleepers are safely accommodated and able to self-isolate, irrespective of their immigration status. I welcome that all asylum seekers will be allowed to remain in their accommodation for at least the next three months, even if their case has been resolved. This applies both to those who have been refused asylum and granted asylum.
The Government also announced the provision of additional funding for local authorities in England and additional funding for the devolved administrations. This additional funding to councils in England means we have now provided them with over £3.2 billion during this pandemic to support vulnerable groups.
Further, nobody being tested and treated for confirmed cases of Coronavirus will be subject to NHS charges.
For migrants who have leave to remain in the UK on human rights grounds, and are under immense hardship, the option remains to have NRPF lifted. These include cases where there are community care needs, migrants with serious health issues or family cases. I am assured that the Home Office is reviewing these cases with urgency during the pandemic.
The Home Office will continue to revise this guidance throughout the pandemic.
Thank you for getting in touch. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.