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

NAT and BHIVA have today published new guidance to support HIV care in Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs). This follows hotly...
Chris Hicks
World Health Day, organised by the World Health Organisation, is a global awareness day celebrated on 7 th April each...
Yusef Azad
Confidentiality of patient information is one of the most ancient and important principles of medicine. If doctors tell other people...

Press Releases

The House of Commons Health & Social Care Committee has, for a second time, called...
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is launching the Let's End It campaign today at an event...
Yusef Azad, Director of Strategy, said: “We strongly disagree with the decision by the NHS...

Publications

Who has to pay?
How NHS overseas visitors charges apply to migrants and asylum seekers in England
Policy Briefing: Access to formula milk for mothers living with HIV in the UK

Real Stories

"The system itself is difficult and it has been made more difficult." Once my immigration...
"I'm really in a poor state and now with the winter coming, I don't know...
"The reality that you have to live with it for life was very daunting."
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Online Guides

Teachers' Resources