By Giuseppe De Santis
Many British people who must pay for health treatment will be outraged to learn that asylum seekers have received nearly one million NHS’ free passes’ in the past five years, a deeply unfair situation.
The HC2 certificates provide low-income Brits with free health services that are typically chargeable for others. These services include prescriptions, dental care, eye tests, wigs, and discounts for glasses, contact lenses, and travel to and from appointments.
However, figures released under Freedom of Information laws reveal that most of the 1.56 million certificates issued across the UK since 2020 were awarded to asylum seekers who accounted for 920,199, or 59%, of the certificates issued during this period.
Individuals who can prove they have a low or no income are eligible to apply for an HC2 certificate, regardless of their immigration status. Asylum seekers (who have passed through many safe countries to get here) automatically receive a certificate if they qualify for ‘section 95 support’ under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which entitles them to financial and housing assistance. This support is granted to asylum seekers who are unable to meet their essential living needs, such as food, clothing, and accommodation, and have no other means of support.
The certificate provides comprehensive assistance with health costs, including unlimited dental care, prescription coverage, vouchers worth up to £233 for glasses, and refunds for travel expenses related to hospital appointments.
The cost of a prescription for British residents is £9.90 if they do not qualify for any exemptions. The most basic NHS dentist check-up costs £27.40. Dental treatments can cost significantly more, a significant financial burden for many low-income Britons.
A straightforward NHS eye test costs £23.55. Wigs and fabric supports for patients experiencing hair loss from alopecia or cancer treatments can exceed £300.
It has come to light that some migrants have taken advantage of a legal loophole to claim benefits they may not be entitled to, such as Universal Credit and Child Benefit. This situation arises from a ruling based on European Human Rights Law that requires the UK to grant these benefits.
The loophole pertains to migrants who enter the UK on visas that include a condition stating they have ‘no recourse to public funds’, meaning they are not allowed to access certain government benefits to avoid becoming a financial burden on taxpayers. These migrants can apply to the Home Office to have this restriction removed by claiming they are destitute and unable to afford housing costs. It begs the question: Why were these people given a visa to enter the UK? It may be wise to insist that a sum of money be paid in advance to cover the cost of a return journey back home.
Upon arriving in the country, individuals can apply to the Home Office for a ‘change of condition’, which lifts the restriction on benefits. Each year, approximately 4,600 applications are submitted, with 65% of these being approved.
Claimants can invoke Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment. Court rulings have clarified that the UK is obligated to pay! So, the UK government is legally bound to provide financial support to individuals who can prove they are at risk of destitution, even if they have not yet reached that point.
In a 2024 case, the applicant referenced the European Convention, asserting that a ‘change of condition’ should be approved if a migrant was at risk of becoming destitute, even if this had not yet occurred!
This situation is unacceptable and deeply frustrating. Support the British Democrats, to put British people first!
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