NRPF leaves parent unable to return to work
Case study from ‘Making Change Happen: The impact of national policies on our clients’ lives… A report by Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN)’, published March 2018
'Miremba* is a 31 year old woman from Uganda*. Miremba has been in the UK since 2003 and has recently been given Leave To Remain (LTR) due to being the single parent of her British Citizen son. Miremba's son suffers from autism, and in addition she has recently been experiencing severe anxiety as a result of her immigration status and housing situation. Miremba used to work as a carer, but had to stop as she cannot afford childcare for her son. She has a No Recourse to Public Funds status, meaning she cannot access most types of public funding, trapping her into having to rely on her local council for housing support (under Section 17 of the Children’s Act). Miremba wants to go back to work, but if she does she will no longer qualify for financial support, and what little money she makes won't be enough to support her family. Miremba has been relying on the help of friends to support herself and her son, and has also been relying on the support from LRMN. We have been providing Miremba with regular food parcels from our food bank as well as providing her with emotional support via our weekly Women’s Group. Miremba’s case is an example of those who are subject to the NRPF condition, as she is allowed to remain in the country, but is not given the support necessary to live independently, work, or pursue further education. She is instead forced to seek support from agencies such as LRMN and friends, and is not provided with the means for herself and her son to thrive.
*Client's name and nationality have been changed to protect their identity'