Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 22, 2018 (SKNIS): In a commitment made to the Windrush generation as a first step to establish a compensation scheme for those and their families who have faced difficulty in establishing their status under the Immigration System, and any other interested organizations and individuals, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), The Right Honourable Theresa May, along with her Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, has launched a Call for Evidence, which was issued on 10th May, 2018. The call for evidence process will run until 8th June, 2018.
The Windrush generation generally refers to the thousands of people who arrived in the UK lawfully from Commonwealth countries before 1st January, 1973. They are known as the Windrush generation in reference to the ship, the MV Empire Windrush, which brought workers from the West Indies to Britain in 1948.
“As well as welcoming written comments during that time, we will be reaching out to community groups and those who represent affected people. We want to get the best possible understanding of what has happened. This is the first step in making sure that the Government provides redress for your financial losses, as part of making sure we do whatever it takes to put this right. The Home Office is planning to introduce a compensation scheme for those of the Windrush generation who have faced difficulties in establishing their status under the immigration system,” a communique from the UK Home office stated.
“The Government has announced a series of measures to help put things right. We are supporting those affected directly to gain confirmation of their immigration status. We have announced a lessons learned review, with independent oversight and challenge, to look at what happened, why and whether the right corrective measures are now in place. And we have already announced that a compensation scheme will be put in place for those who have suffered loss as a result of these difficulties, and that we will consult on the design of this scheme – such as the shape it should take, what it should cover, and how long it should be for,” the communique added.
In the call for evidence, the UK Home office is asking five questions: Please can you tell us something about your personal background and what went wrong for you? How did that affect you, both in practical terms and more generally? When did you first know there was a problem? What kinds of losses did you experience, as a direct or indirect result of the problems you encountered? What do you think we need to do, in terms of a compensation scheme, to put it right?
The UK Home office assures that responses will be kept confidential. Responses can be sent by email to Windrushcompensation@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or by post to: Windrush Compensation Scheme Team, Home Office, 2nd Floor Peel, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.
-30-