Windrush Navigation Project
AHPN is working with the Home Office on the Windrush Navigation Project to right some of the wrongs caused by the Windrush Scandal and ensure that those entitled to Compensation and Documentation achieve these.
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In 2018 news of the Windrush scandal broke, largely due to the campaigning journalism of Guardian reporter Amelia Gentleman and representations made by Tottenham MP David Lammy. Commonwealth citizens who had been in the UK for decades were facing major problems as they were unable to prove their right to be in the UK. Despite their lawful residence and as a result of the government’s increasing insistence on immigration checks in every aspect of life – known as the Hostile Environment – people were denied access to key services. Many lost their jobs, housing, access to benefits and health services; and people were even wrongly detained and deported. Lives were ruined and families were broken.
Those impacted and their close family members can apply for compensation to recover their actual losses such as loss of earnings and benefits and to seek redress for the impact it had on their lives. Those without documentation can now seek to obtain documentation.
If you have been affected by the Windrush scandal and had difficulties relating to your immigration status, help is available to support you to apply for compensation and documentation.
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THE COMPENSATION SCHEME
The Windrush Compensation Scheme was launched on 3 April 2019. You may be able to claim compensation if you suffered losses or were disadvantaged because you WERE UNABLE FOR WHATEVER REASON TO show that you had a right to live in the UK. So far almost £40 Million has been paid out in compensation to Windrush compensation scheme claimants. Take a look at the diagram below to see if you qualify.
THE DOCUMENTATION SCHEME
If you’re settled in the UK but do not have a document to prove it, you may be eligible to apply to the ‘Windrush Scheme’. You may be able to apply for a document to prove you can live and work in the UK if one of the following is true:
· you came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973
· your parents came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973
· you came to the UK from any country before 31 December 1988 and are now settled here
It’s free to apply.
You might also be entitled to apply for citizenship for free if you’re a Commonwealth citizen who settled in the UK before 1 January 1973, or you’re the child of someone who did.
If you have been affected by any of the Windrush issues please feel free to contact AHPN for guidance, advice and signposting.
AHPN has put together a Windrush Navigation Brochure filled with information about the Compensation and Documentation Scheme including FAQs and free legal advice. Register your interest to receive our Windrush Navigation Brochure using the form below.
Don’t lose the opportunity to claim what is legally yours.
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