Coronavirus (COVID-19): Support available to migrants living in the UK

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Support available to migrants living in the UK
Migrants usually are not able to access public funds. However, this is an unpresented situation and migrants with ‘NRPF’ (No Recourse TO Public Funds) may be able to get support from the UK Government.

I am a migrant and how can I apply to access public funds?

A migrant with NRPF can apply for access to public funds by making ‘change of conditions’ application if you have a UK Family or Private Life Visa and either:

• you’re destitute or at risk of destitution
• your child’s welfare is at risk due to low income
• you’re in other exceptional financial circumstances

 

I am employed in the UK, how can I get support?
Your employer can apply for government support if the sponsoring business is unable to open or there is no longer work for you to do because of coronavirus (Covid-19).
If your biometric residence permit (BRP) has ‘NRPF’ or ‘no public funds’ printed on the back of the card, you may be able to access:

• Statutory Sick Pay
• Contributory Employment and Support Allowance, if you have made sufficient national insurance contributions in the past
• Support provided to employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

 

How can I get support if I am Self-employed?

If you’re registered as self-employed, you may be able to apply for a grant through the Coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme.

Coronavirus (Covid-19): Tier 2 Sponsor Update

Also, UKVI (Home Office) will not take enforcement action against sponsors who continue to sponsor students or employees despite absences due to coronavirus.

Employers/sponsors do not need to report employee absences related to coronavirus (due to illness, their need to isolate or inability to travel due to travel restrictions).

Tier 2 Sponsors do not need to withdraw sponsorship if because of coronavirus an employee is absent from work without pay for more than 4 weeks.