Migrant Health

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities define vulnerable migrants as:

A rapid needs assessment undertaken by the Doctors of the World showed how COVID and the UK response has disproportionally impacted excluded groups, namely vulnerable migrants, sex workers, homeless people, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and those recently released from prison. These groups routinely face stigma and barriers when trying to access healthcare which has increased their vulnerabilities to health problems and social isolation.

Individuals seeking asylum

More people are migrating than ever before, some of whom have been forcibly displaced and despite the World Health organisation Constitution of 1948 stating that everyone has a right to health, migrants experience difficulties in accessing health services and this has resulted in migration and health becoming well recognised as a global public health priority.

The kind of health and wellbeing issues that might effect migrants are:

  • Communicable diseases – Often associated with the incidence of certain diseases from their country of origin or ones they have travelled through. The most common ones include cholera, typhoid, fungal infections, scabies, meningococcal disease, influenza, measles, varicella, diphtheria, hepatitis A, B, C and E, HIV, malaria, measles and tuberculosis (TB).
  • Incomplete immunisation history which may be due to low immunisation rates in the country of origin, interruption of vaccine schedules during transit and lack of records of immunisation status.
  • Non-communicable diseases where complications can arise due to not being diagnosed or diagnosed but poorly managed, e.g. cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
  • Malnutrition as a result of food insecurity.
  • Obesity postmigration due to the introduction of refined foods to their diet.
  • Musculoskeletal problems as a consequence of physical stress endured during the migration journey, injuries from torture or violence, or malnutrition.
  • Oral disease – as a result of poor diet or lack of access to dental care.
  • Sexually transmitted infections as asylum seekers may have been raped or forced into commercial sex work pre-arrival or post-arrival in England.
  • Adolescent pregnancy due to limited sexual health awareness and low rates of contraception use.
  • Female genital mutilation (FGM) which is common in some African and Middle Eastern countries and is associated with a range of complications including transmission of blood borne viruses (BBVs), urinary tract infections, psychological problems, infertility and adverse obstetric outcomes.
  • Psychological issues – PTSD, anxiety and depression are commonly reported. These problems are not always due to their experiences in their country of origin but down to the socio-political conditions in host countries that create discrimination and marginalisation. Furthermore, asylum seekers are at risk of homelessness and destitution if their claim is unsuccessful which exacerbates mental and physical health problems

'Stakeholder guidance to support the health and wellbeing needs of individuals seeking asylum across Yorkshire and the Humber' (Yorkshire and Humber Migrant Health Group, 2021)

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

Language Barriers

Language may be a barrier to engagement so you may need to use google translate to instigate some conversations initially.

Additionally, if you follow this link you will find a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities.

https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/

Once on the page, scroll down and you’ll see a language drop down box on the left hand side, and all resources listed will automatically translate to the chosen language.

Some local services provide a translation service as well.

Here you will find questions you might ask if you start a conversation with a migrant about their health and wellbeing. Migrants are likely to be wary of the authorities so make it clear that you are here to help and support and try to build trust.

I don’t need to see papers, I want to know if you would you like any help or support in your current circumstances?

Can you speak English? What languages do you speak?

Would you like me to try to connect you with someone who you can speak to you in your language about your situation?

There are organisations who support refugees and asylum seekers, providing advice about applying for accommodation, financial support and accessing health services? Would you like details of those services?

Do you have a safe place to stay at the moment?

Do you need access to a GP or health professional as I can provide some service information to help you with that?

  • See Act Section for information about national services or click on your local area for local support information

Assist

Please click on the below regional links for information about Migrant Health and Wellbeing support services relating to your locality.

The following links provide information and support that may be of assistance to Asylum Seekers

General support information for Asylum seekers:

Asylum support: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Right to Remain toolkit, provides accessible guidance on the UK immigration and Asylum system:

Asylum Support: financial support and accommodation – Right to Remain

Information regarding the Provision of Accommodation to Failed Asylum Seekers:

The Immigration and Asylum (Provision of Accommodation to Failed Asylum-Seekers) Regulations 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)

Act

Migrant Help

Migrant Help protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma.  Core services include Asylum Support, and those seeking asylum in the UK can come to MH to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed. MH can advise individuals in their language on issues such as:

  • Accessing healthcare
  • How to claim asylum
  • Applying for asylum support including accommodation
  • Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
  • Finding legal representation

Telephone: 0808 8010 503 - A free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day

Website: http://www.migranthelpuk.org

Translated health information for migrants

Provides a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities and subjects include:

Website: https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/

Praxis

Praxis provide expert support to migrants and refugees in the UK. They are a leading expert in finding pathways out of destitution and supporting migrants facing homelessness, as well as survivors of trafficking and domestic violence and young people. They provide free immigration advice over the phone. Support includes securing rights, safe housing, influencing and advocacy and interpreting and training.

Telephone: 020 7749 7608 or 020 7749 7605 - Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and Thursdays from 10am to 12:30pm

Website: https://www.praxis.org.uk/

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

JCWI provide free legal advice to asylum seekers and refugees at all stages of the legal process, including:

  • Applications to the Home Office
  • Entry Clearance
  • Appeals
  • Judicial Review

If you are in the UK without status and need free and confidential legal advice, call the helpline: 

Telephone: 020 7553 7470 - Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 1pm

Website: https://www.jcwi.org.uk/

Shelter

A person can contact the free Shelter helpline if they have nowhere to sleep or might be homeless soon, they have somewhere to sleep but nowhere to call home or could be at risk of harm. Their website also has specific information about accommodation options for Asylum Seekers.

Telephone: 0808 800 4444 - The helpline is open 365 days a year and accessible at the following times: 

8am - 8pm on weekdays

9am - 5pm on weekends and bank holidays

Website: Shelter Legal England - UKVI support and conditions for support - Shelter England

Local Support and Contact Details