Home Office must scrap rule that leaves migrant communities at risk of homelessness
It is time to scrap the repressive and racist ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ policy which is forcing vulnerable people into destitution, say the Scottish Greens.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NPRF) is a condition attached to work, family and study visas which restricts access to a lot of aspects of social security, including Universal Credit and child benefit and a range of other support like homelessness assistance.
The issue was raised at First Minister’s Questions today by the Scottish Greens human rights spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP. This followed reports of dozens of people with NRPF being made homeless and forced to sleep rough on the streets or in cars.
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said:
“No-one should be made homeless, forced into destitution, or have their human rights infringed, regardless of their immigration status.
“The UK’s reactionary and racist immigration system, and the No Recourse to Public Funds policy in particular, prevent people from accessing essential safety and lifeline services in times of need.
“This lack of provision and support risks leaving vulnerable people open to modern slavery and exploitation."
Maggie also urged the Scottish Government to ensure that it is doing everything it can to mitigate the impact of the policy.