Issues we work on

Read more about the policy areas we work on in this area

Immigration and asylum

Immigration & asylum

The issue: 

Migrants and asylum seekers are often marginalised in the UK and hostile immigration policy forces many into destitution and stops them from being able to access the healthcare they need. Migrant populations in the UK are disproportionately affected by HIV. Many acquire HIV after arrival in the UK and migrants living with HIV are more likely to be diagnosed late. Asylum seekers detained in immigration removal centres also frequently become more ill as a direct result of detention. 

What we do: 

National AIDS Trust challenges unfair policies which have a negative impact on the health of people living with HIV or that out people at greater risk. We work with partners to defend the rights of migrants in the UK. We make key groups aware of their entitlement to HIV treatment on the NHS; we campaign for effective implementation of universal treatment and for people arriving in the UK to have fast access to HIV testing and treatment. 


Check out our latest resources on this topic below: 

Blog

By Tamara Manuel People held in immigration detention in the UK are entitled to the same level of healthcare and...
By Charity Nyirenda Migrants living with HIV must be involved in research and initiatives wanting to understand and improve HIV...
By Tamara Manuel At National AIDS Trust we have long drawn attention to the barriers that migrants face accessing HIV-related...

Press Releases

The Government and NHS are failing migrants in the UK living with or at risk...
NAT and HIV clinicians at BHIVA have produced new guidance (last published in 2009) that...
NHS Digital to end data sharing with the Home Office on immigration offences Government agrees...

Publications

What does the AM (Zimbabwe) case mean for people living with HIV at risk of removal?
Briefing paper by Zehrah Hasan (Garden Court Chambers) and National AIDS Trust
HIV and migration: Understanding the barriers faced by people born abroad living with HIV in the UK
Immigration detention and HIV: advice for healthcare and operational staff

Real Stories

"My landlady was putting on a lot of pressure to pay my rent, which I...
"Him leaving me led to them curtailing my Leave to Remain." A lot has happened...
"Social services were tossing me around." My immigration status was uncertain then. It was 1998...

Teachers' Resources