Everyday experiences of migrant families with No Recourse to Public Funds

Increasing poverty rates in the UK have been at the forefront of much debate in recent years, particularly as poverty can have long term, negative consequences for those embroiled within it. In order to support people on low income, the UK have a welfare system that provides money to cover basic living expenses, free healthcare and housing support. However, there are families residing in the UK with no access to such support due to the little-known visa stipulation, no recourse to public funds (NRPF), which prevents families who have moved to the UK from outside of the European Union from accessing welfare support. To date, research into the impacts of NRPF is limited. The aim of the current study was therefore to qualitatively investigate the everyday experiences of migrants living in the UK with NRPF. Interviews with 6 black African participants revealed that NRPF is not well understood. It leaves people fearful of accessing support despite facing extreme financial hardship, and they are forced to make challenging lifestyle choices to survive within a strict, changeable system. Findings are discussed in relation to literature on health and wellbeing. Future directions for research are also outlined.