I received my nationality certificate which made me feel like I won the lottery. I then, later on, received my passport and that made me feel like I belong somewhere now, even though I’ve been here for 60 years, I never knew where I belonged.”
Client X
Get support from the Nishkam Centre
Windrush Justice Case Studies
Nishkam Centre
The Windrush Compensation Scheme has been well documented as a means of reparations for many people in African and Caribbean communities. What is less well-known is the impact the Windrush had on those from South Asian communities and their eligibility in applying for compensation.
An article by the Immigration Advice Service highlighted that South Asians, Indians specifically, were the 3rd largest group affected by the Windrush scandal, behind those from Barbados (2nd) and Jamaica (1st).
Did you know?
South Asians have been migrating to the UK as far back as the 1700s. Sometimes they came seeking opportunities, like lascars (sailors) or civil servants, sent to study Law at UK universities.
Most recently, migrants have come to England for a variety of reasons. Punjabi and Pakistani Asians came to England to work in Manufacturing industries and textile mills mid-20th century. Bangladeshi Asians came in early 1970s escaping famine and also unrest following independence from Pakistan. Indians came from East African, particularly Uganda when they were forced to flee the country. Many Sri Lankans also came to England in the 90s and early 2000s to escape the Civil War and its long-lasting consequences.
Due to the support from Action for Race Equality, we have been able to support those affected by the Windrush Scandal and help them apply for the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Throughout our time delivering claimant support, we have heard some of the horrific experiences those affected by Windrush had to endure, making us more aware of the importance of our work with the Windrush Justice Programme.
Below is a story of a South Asian client, who we will call X, who was referred to us and received a successful outcome. X and her daughters were affected by the Windrush Scandal.
X had experienced a relationship breakdown and a change of circumstances, so she applied to update her benefits. Upon making another application to update her circumstances and get her rightful entitlement, HMRC told her that she was ineligible for benefits and had been overpaid. This decision left her with over £9000 in debt and having her benefit income stopped.
X was unable to secure British nationality or passports for her daughters besides incurring legal costs and applying numerous times. Unable to get a home, X was left homeless as a single mother with young children. With the lack of legal documentation to show her lawful status and obtain passports, X and her daughters couldn’t travel for many years and missed many important family occasions.
This traumatic experience and the stress of going through this had long-lasting effects on X, emotionally, financially, and physically as she lost a lot of weight.
We supported and empowered X in claiming for the Windrush Compensation Scheme and sharing her story. Upon review of the application, X was awarded £43,000 in compensation, and her daughters ((now adults) were awarded compensation totalling £140,000, equalling a total family compensation of £183,000.
The support X received, and the successful claim left her with the need to share this amazing message with her caseworker:
“First and foremost I cannot thank you enough for all the help you’ve given me with the Windrush process. When I came to see you at Nishkam, you were so helpful, understanding and made the process comforting for me. Ever since then, I received my nationality certificate which made me feel like I won the lottery. I then, later on, received my passport and that made me feel like I belong somewhere now, even though I’ve been here for 60 years, I never knew where I belonged. I then received my compensation and am planning a family trip this year with my daughters.
My daughters are also going on their first holiday. As I’m 61 and only received my money, I will be using it to explore the big wide world and travel everywhere whilst I can! So thank you so much!!”