About the survey

• The survey has 16 questions and should take 15–20 minutes to complete.
• It has been developed by Refugee Legal Support in consultation with Professors Sara de Jong and Victoria Canning.
• It is open to anyone over 18 affected by the Afghan Data Breach, especially those whose data incident self-checker showed red.
• Participation is voluntary.
• Your responses will remain anonymous and securely stored. No personal identifying information is collected.

Please click on the following Survey button to open and complete the survey in English, or scan the QR code. This survey closes on the 5th of October at 6pm (London Time). 

The survey is also available in Dari and Pashto in the following section.

The post Impacts of the Ministry of Defence Afghan data leak Survey appeared first on Voices In Exile.

We want to give them a massive thank you for hosting and inviting us to their powerful event at The Progressive Synagogue, and for their incredibly thoughtful donations. Mitzvah Day started with children’s activities like baking and story telling, transforming into a friendly tea party with people from all faiths in the community. All invitees were asked to bring products and items for our food bank, from soap and laundry powder to honey, pasta, cooking oil, beans, and much more, while also collecting valuable donations on our behalf. You can see a picture of the items donations below

Meanwhile, we set up a table to answer questions and chat to many interested members and visitors about what we do at Voices in Exile, many donating, signing up to our mailing list, and buying our tote bags. We are definitely ‘Stronger with Tea.’

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This article explains the impact of this policy, highlights the challenges it creates, and outlines the actions you need to take to protect yourself.

What is changing?

From 31 December 2024, physical BRPs and BRCs will expire. To prove your immigration status, you must create an eVisa account, which serves as your digital record. This change affects everyone with an immigration status in the UK.

If you haven’t created an eVisa account by the deadline, your leave to remain and entitlements will still be valid, but proving your status could become significantly harder. Service providers like the NHS, landlords, and employers might refuse to recognise your rights if you cannot present proof through the new digital system.

Why this matters

The move to eVisas may seem straightforward, but for many, it creates unnecessary barriers. Refugees, asylum seekers, and others who are digitally excluded or unaware of the changes are at serious risk of being denied their lawful entitlements.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Digital-only proof is a challenge: Not everyone has access to reliable internet, smartphones, or the skills to navigate complex online systems. This puts many at risk of losing access to essential services.
• Errors can have devastating consequences: The eVisa system has already been prone to technical errors, leaving thousands unable to prove their status. Any mistakes in your record could lead to wrongful denial of benefits, housing, or healthcare.
• Lack of awareness and training: Many government departments, landlords, and employers remain uninformed about the transition, leading to confusion and potential discrimination.

What you need to do now

To avoid being negatively impacted by these changes, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible:

1. Create your eVisa account: Visit the UKVI website and follow the steps to set up your eVisa account. If you need help, ask a trusted advisor or support organisation.
2. Check your status: Once your account is set up, verify that your details are correct. Any errors should be reported immediately to UKVI for correction.
3. Gather additional proof: If you don’t have digital access, keep copies of your grant of status letter or other documentation to provide backup evidence when needed.
4. Inform your service providers: Make sure your landlord, employer, or other relevant organisations are aware of your immigration status and how to verify it.

How to get help

If you are struggling with the transition to eVisas, please get in touch with Voices in Exile and we will do our best to help you, or point you in the direction of further assistance.

The post The shift to eVisas: what you need to know and how to protect your rights appeared first on Voices In Exile.

As of 31 December 2024, all physical Home Office Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) will expire. While this does not affect the right to remain in the UK or the entitlements tied to that status, individuals will need to set up an eVisa account to prove their status and access their rights.

The shift to a digital-only system has highlighted numerous issues, including frequent technical glitches and errors that leave many unable to prove their status. Those with limited digital skills are particularly disadvantaged, as the system can be challenging to navigate. Additionally, those responsible for verifying immigration status—such as landlords, employers, and airline staff—often lack the necessary understanding of the process. A Guardian report from March 2024 revealed that database errors have already impacted the immigration status of 76,000 people.

Adding to the concern is the apparent lack of awareness within other government departments. For instance, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has prematurely stopped individuals’ welfare benefits, mistakenly assuming their immigration status and entitlements expire on 31 December 2024.

The3million and 70 other organisations have now urged the government to take immediate action to prevent a repeat of the Windrush scandal. With around 4 million people affected by the eVisa transition, there is a real risk of individuals being denied access to vital services and entitlements. The organisations’ letter outlines these concerns and calls for measures to ensure no one is left without access to their lawful rights. You can read the letter and a one-page briefing at the link below.

eVisa: Government Must Ensure Migrants’ Access to Essential Services

The post We join 71 organisations writing to the government regarding transition to eVisa and migrants entitlements appeared first on Voices In Exile.

Dancing and fasting for a cause

This past July, we witnessed an extraordinary effort from David Clarke, who pushed his limits with a three-day dance and fasting challenge. David’s commitment exemplifies the personal sacrifices so many are willing to make to support our work. Not only did he raise valuable funds, but he also raised awareness about the needs of people facing exile, offering a powerful reminder of what it means to give back.

A day of music and community

In August, our friends at Cost of Living Events hosted a lively day of music and solidarity at The Gladstone pub. They partnered with Refugee Radio to bring people together, not only raising money but also creating an opportunity for conversation, connection, and community building. Our head of services, Alison, was there to soak up the atmosphere and capture a few moments of the day, which was filled with joy, unity and support for those in need.

A feast to remember

To continue this inspiring summer of fundraising, September saw Goat Grid and Bellewether Spirits come together for a special six-course celebration feast at Goat Grid’s Sussex farm. With their focus on sustainability and community, Goat Grid and Bellewether Spirits share our values, and their generosity helps ensure that we can continue our support for those impacted by exile and displacement.

Young fundraiser goes the extra mile

And last but certainly not least, we’d like to give a huge shoutout to 13-year-old Danny Klein, who raised an incredible £600 by completing a sponsored 5km run just last weekend. Danny’s determination and heart are an inspiration to us all, and his efforts have already made a meaningful impact.

Join us in making a difference

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in these events and to all who continue to support us. Your generosity, creativity and dedication fuel our mission and make a real, lasting impact. Whether it’s a one-off donation, setting up a direct debit, contributing to our Crowdfunder, or donating essential food items, every bit helps us in our work.

If you’d like to be part of our efforts, please visit our donation page for more information: voicesinexile.org/donate/

The post Live music, fasting and feasting: A heartfelt thank you to our incredible fundraisers appeared first on Voices In Exile.

Hi Paula, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a retired GP and moved to Brighton from Manchester 10 years ago. I’ve also worked in Public Health where I ran immunisation programmes and investigated outbreaks, and I used to teach at both Brighton and Sussex and Manchester medical schools.

Voices in Exile Admin Support Volunteer and Mentor, Paula

What made you join Voices in Exile?

Some of my patients in Brighton were refugees and I saw how hard it was for them. I wanted to do something useful when I retired and when I saw Voices in Exile was recruiting, it felt like a good fit. My husband and I are both children of immigrants.

What does a day in the Admin office look like?

I offered to support admin as both primary care and Public Health involve a lot of admin these days, and also my hearing isn’t great so it’s easier to do office work. Susan always finds me interesting things to do – digitising records, updating resources on the Voices website, or helping to organise events. It’s different every week! And everyone here is so supportive, it’s such a nice place to work.

Your professional career has enabled you to mentor some clients looking for employment, could you tell us more about that process?

It’s difficult for someone with a profession to change countries – even moving across the country can be difficult, as I found when I moved from Manchester. It’s even harder if you come from outside the NHS – you may have excellent knowledge of your specialty and a wealth of experience, but the recruitment process may be unfamiliar.

I have done my best to support two healthcare professionals in their search for work in the healthcare sector. They have a lot to offer and will be an asset to the NHS.

A Voices in Exile service user who recently found work after being supported by Paula said:

“Paula is very helpful and patient. When she sent me an email she sent all the details I needed and if I asked her to do anything she completed everything efficiently. With her help, I applied for a health care assistant role and got an interview and the job.”‘

The post Paula’s mentoring story: Could you be a Voices in Exile mentor? appeared first on Voices In Exile.

“I came to the UK five years ago after fleeing conflict in my home country of Sudan. Voices in Exile have been supporting me here in Brighton.

I go to their English classes and they have helped me with applying for refugee status, getting a job, and helping me to reunite with my wife. I had to leave my wife behind in Sudan and I didn’t see her for more than five years. But she recently got her visa to come to the UK and now she is living here with me.

I volunteer in the food bank at Voices in Exile every week. I enjoy volunteering here because I can help other people in the same way that I have been helped and that makes me happy.

Everyone here is so friendly. Anytime I need help — with contacting the council, or the doctor, anything I need, I can talk to anyone here and I know they will help me.”

If you’d like to donate to Voices in Exile to support our food bank or the other work we do to support refugees and asylum seekers, visit our donate page.

The post Reunited in Brighton: A new start for Mohammed and Lana  appeared first on Voices In Exile.

Can you tell us a bit more about Goat Grid?

Goat Grid is a regenerative farm in Plumpton and started 5 years ago after me and my twin brother, Josh, came back to our home in Sussex after we’d travelled and volunteered on farms in Nepal and India.

It started off as Food Forest planting lots of fruit trees and berry bushes and herbs. Josh is a chef and now we want to grow everything here, for the restaurant (Bayte, in St Leonards), so we have upped our vegetable and egg production this year.

How did you first hear about Voices in Exile and why did you want to support us?

My fiancé, Eliza, volunteered at another farm project Common Ground where they hosted members of VIE on the farm. We really loved the idea of this, sharing the farm and cooking outside together.

Can you tell us about your visit to the Voices in Exile food bank?

I love my visits to the VIE food bank – seeing the work goes in to making sure the necessities are there for people that really need it. Everyone is so friendly and curious about the produce and the farm, always fun to chat and find out what the VIE members thought of the different produce we’ve given them.

What’s your favourite dish to cook using products from your farm?

My favourite food from the farm is boiled pink fir potatoes with a lot of chives and Mexican tarragon. My favourite fruit tree from the farm so far is Mulberry.

A big thank you to Casper and the Goat Grid team for their continued support. As well as donations of food items, we accept financial donations via our Crowdfunder: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/food-for-destitute-refugees-and-asylum-seekers

The post Seasonal harvest from Goat Grid boosts the Voices in Exile food bank appeared first on Voices In Exile.

Last September 2023, our team saw a rising number of homelessness cases among refugees who had been granted status, which was also impacted by the closure of the Home Office run ‘single men’s hotel’ in Brighton in November 2023. The combination of the closure of asylum hotels and the backlog of asylum claims being processed simultaneously led to an increased demand for third sector organisations to support refugees at risk of homelessness. The closure of half of asylum hotels was part of ‘Operation Maximisation’ —a Home Office policy set out on 13^th July 2023 requiring single adult asylum seekers to share a room in Initial Asylum Accommodation (mostly hotels).

The Home Office recently reported a plan to make 10,000 decisions in September and maintain this going forward, prioritising those in receipt of asylum support. Therefore, we are concerned that we will see a rise of homelessness for refugees during this winter period due to lack of housing options available; a flurry of decisions being made at once by the Home Office; a lack of mental health evidence asylum seekers hold due to stigma surrounding mental health support; low ability to access this; and long waiting lists.

To prepare for this, we’re working closely with the Refugee/Asylum pathway team at Brighton and Hove Council and attend regular network groups with the NHS and other third sector organisations.

Jesuit Refugee Service’s new report examines experiences of homelessness among people refused asylum in London in Autumn 2023. Most research participants had no secure accommodation, rough sleeping was common, people were vulnerable to exploitation and abuse and prevented from managing life-threatening conditions. We also experienced this in Brighton and Hove, where refugees had been made homeless because of the asylum system when provided with 28 days’ notice to leave Home Office accommodation and find somewhere new to live.

In addition, vulnerable migrants face multiple barriers to access both council housing and private rented accommodation: not being allowed to work for the first 12 months whilst seeking asylum and then only able to apply for the right to work where limited roles are available from the Shortage of Occupation list — therefore gaining no work experience or income. Other factors that create barriers are the ‘no recourse to public funds’ status, low level English skills, and a lack of evidence to demonstrate vulnerabilities and complex needs.

We would like to acknowledge the local agencies that work with us to support our clients in finding accommodation. These include Care4Calais, Thousand 4 £1000, Room for Refugees, Refugees at Home, Brighton Wellbeing Service, Refugee Radio, Network of International Women, Brighton Exiled Trauma Service, and Brighton Therapy Centre.

For more information on the issue of rising homelessness among refugees, check out the below resources:

• Keys to the City 2024: Ending refugee homelessness in London (Refugee Council)
• Homeless Link and NACCOM share new migrant homelessness briefing (Homeless Link)
• Homelessness, refugees and resettlement paper (Centre for Homelessness Impact) 
• Report: Hostile Accommodation (Refugee Action)

Some key terms to learn:

• Asylum Support – Accommodation and Subsistence from Home Office. This is separate from an asylum claim.
• Shortage of Occupation List – Asylum Seekers can apply for the Right to Work after 12 months of living in the UK, but the roles are limited to what is on the Shortage of Occupation List
• No Recourse to Public Funds (often written as NRPF) – unable to access public funds such as benefits like Universal Credit, PIP, etc.

Want to do more to help, but don’t know what?

Find out more about hosting a refugee on a short term let here: Refugees at Home

The post Addressing the housing crisis for refugees in Brighton: Challenges and solutions  appeared first on Voices In Exile.

Voices in Exile were part of a joint briefing on the need for access to legal aid and access to justice in immigration. We’ve had a total of 68 signatories from organisations working with migrants. This was coordinated by JCWI and Migrants Organise.

You can read the finalised briefing is here:

https://jcwi.org.uk/resource/joint-briefing-immigration-legal-aid/

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