With so many illegal immigrants heading to Kent’s shores during the warm summer months, we have taken a look at the reasons why they are so desperate to reach the UK. The illegal immigrants will either make it ashore and disappear into society, or they will be collected by the UK Border Force and claim asylum.
So what can they claim, if they Seek protection or asylum? They can ask for somewhere to live, a cash allowance or both as an asylum seeker. Not bad if you have just arrived on a dinghy with nothing.
Housing
According to the Government website, they will be given somewhere to live if they need it. This could be in a flat, house, hostel or bed and breakfast. They cannot choose where they live and it is unlikely to be in London or south-east England, which is good for those people living in Kent, but means that they could be transported all over the country.
Cash support
They will get £37.75 for each person in the household. This will help pay for things like food, clothing and toiletries. The allowance will be loaded onto a debit card (ASPEN card) each week. You’ll be able to use the card to get cash from a cash machine. You may think that this is not much money, but the UK state pension is only £134 per week and this is for someone who has paid into a pension for a full 30 years.
Extra money for mothers and young children
They get extra money to buy healthy food if pregnant or a mother of a child under 3. The amount you get will depend on your situation. Also, all medical care provided by the NHS will be free of charge.
Maternity payment
They can apply for a one-off £300 maternity payment if the baby is due in 8 weeks or less, or if the baby is under 6 weeks old. No wonder so many mothers-to-be want to get here.
Healthcare
They may get free National Health Service (NHS) healthcare, such as to see a doctor or get hospital treatment.
They will also get:
- free prescriptions for medicine
- free dental care for teeth
- free eyesight tests
- help paying for glasses
Education
Any children must attend school if they are aged 5 to 17. All state schools are free and children may be able to get free school meals.
We are being made fools of by our own government and the illegal immigrants are taking full advantage
Anyone can apply for asylum if they want to stay in the UK as a refugee. To be eligible they only have to have leave your country and be unable to go back because you fear persecution. Currently, a lot of the benefits are due to EU laws, although the UK looks particularly inviting due to the NHS and generous benefits system once you are permanently here.
The question as to whether this will continue once the UK leaves the EU is an interesting one. Sadly, it is more than likely to continue. The UK will be taking all EU law as the basis for laws going forward. So unless the UK government actually decide to change this law, it will remain in force.
Also, with so many migrants now here legally, it will take a brave Prime Minister to go against a growing majority to change this practice. The longer the UK continues to act this way, the harder it will be to reverse this policy.
Sadly, a lot of residents do not get the benefits that asylum seekers are receiving, which is exactly why there is a lot of resentment. The UK really must looks after it’s own before handing out money to new arrivals. It is harsh, but it is the only way for a small island like the UK to survive against the growing tide of migrants. There will be a lot of focus on what changes after Brexit on 31st December and this is one of the most important issues.
