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Hertfordshire County Council

Migration in Hertfordshire

Information for people who have arrived in Hertfordshire through a visa scheme, as a refugee or asylum seeker, or who currently have insecure immigration or No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) status.

This includes visa schemes related to Ukraine, Afghan, Syria, Hong Kong, UKRS, EU Settlement and Family Reunion.

 

Welcome: a guide for new refugees (GOV.UK)

Asylum support (GOV.UK)

Am I a refugee, an asylum seeker or an undocumented migrant?

Factsheets – Resource library (ASAP)

Rights and entitlements (nrpfnetwork.org.uk)

Right to Remain Toolkit – Right to Remain 
The Right to Remain toolkit is solely provided for educational and informational purposes. Hertfordshire County Council does not endorse the opinions, political engagement or lobbying of the Right to Remain organisation or other groups such as These Walls Must Fall.

 

Ukraine

If you arrived via the 'Homes 4 Ukraine' scheme, visit Ukraine support in Hertfordshire.

If you arrived from Ukraine via any other means, contact hcnsukraine@herts.help for practical support from Ukrainian speakers. Including housing, benefits, employment and ESOL.

Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) (‘HKBNOs’)

Hong Kong Welcome Hub - East of England

 

Health

How the NHS works

The migrant health guide (GOV.UK) and Doctors of the World both offer information in different languages. They explain:

How to register with a doctor (known as a 'GP') 

Health guidance for migrants (NHS.UK) explains how to get help with filling in forms, how to prepare for your appointment and what you will discuss.
 

If you move to a new area

 

Health in Herts - other local health services and self-help advice for your physical and mental health.

 

Mental health

Flourish is a specialist mental health service for refugees and asylum seekers. Visit their website to find out who is eligible, what help they offer and how to get in contact.

Mental health services for the wider community, including NHS providers.

Advice for staff and volunteers:

 

Housing information and support

When asylum support ends, you have less than 2 months to find new housing.

The council will not provide you with accommodation unless you have a priority need (e.g. you have children or a serious health condition).

Social housing is limited. Most social housing applicants are not successful.

Contact your local housing team as soon as you receive your notice to vacate your current accommodation. They will determine if you meet priority need or assist you to find homes or rooms to rent.

Do:

  • Look for suitable and affordable private rental options as early as possible
  • Be open-minded and realistic about the accommodation that is currently available
  • Provide all documents quickly, to avoid delays in your application.

Don’t:

  • Wait until you are evicted before you seek help
  • Avoid contact with your local housing team or support organisations - this could put you at risk of homelessness.
  • Refuse an offer of suitable, affordable private rental accommodation as you will only get one offer. If you refuse it, the housing team has no duty to offer you another.

If you are at risk of homelessness

 

Education – schools and English language lessons

Schools
5 to 16 year olds must go to school. Rules for 16 to 18 year olds.

For enquiries about school places for refugee and asylum seeking children, please do not contact the school directly. Contact migration.admissions@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call 01992 588366.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

  • Asylum seekers cannot get government-funded English lessons for the first 6 months in the UK.
  • But, there are many volunteer groups that offer free English lessons to asylum seekers, no matter how long they have been in the UK.
  • You can find details of all English lessons (both government-funded and free) here: Hertfordshire ESOL Provision - Google My Maps
  • For more information about the support available in your area, see ESOL (PDF 99kb)

Step2Skills gives free English classes to asylum seekers who have waited more than 6 months. Call 01992 556194 or email step2skills@hertfordshire.gov.uk to enquire about eligibility.

Employment - how to get a job

Generally, as an asylum seeker you are not allowed to work for the first 12 months in the UK, after this time you may be permitted to work but only in certain jobs. 

To improve your chances of getting a job when you are allowed to work

  • Improve your English

  • Volunteer this is a great way to improve employment skills and will help when you apply for paid jobs in the future.

For government guidance regarding permission to work, please see Permission to work and volunteering for asylum seekers (accessible) - GOV.UK

For general advice and support contact Dacorum Citizens Advice

For general support getting a job, contact The Refugee Council

Connect to work

An experienced Employment Advisor will work with clients on a one-to-one basis. Building a plan that works towards you finding a job to matches skills, experience, and interests. Aim is to rapidly “place and train” into a role rather than use traditional job searching methods.

You must;

Live in Herts
Be over 18
Have the right to work
Be currently unemployed

Open to; Resettled Afghans, Ukrainians on the H4U Scheme & all other refugees

Job Centre Plus

Restart - A program that is mandatory for those claiming UC who are assessed as able to work after 6 months of claiming without finding work. They are referred through the job centre and receive 15 months support to find work
                               
Additional WC Time - Extra support for those with health conditions on a voluntary basis including 30 minute appointments with a dedicated work coach to move closer to or into work. Need to claim UC.

Normal JCP Offer - Includes signposting to jobs, CV /Interview help. Job clubs/ employment opportunities. As per the GOV.UK Website.

Low value Procurement - Short term, low cost provision for a specific need to enable a job start. Pays for training/certificates if for a specific qualification to enhance ability to secure a specific job. Provided on individual, discretionary basis. 

Open to all who are;

Currently claiming Universal Credit

All refugees with right to work

Community Action Dacorum

Pathways project - for those that have been housed by Dacorum Borough Council, offering ESOL, Job Seeking (looking at CV writing and transferrable skills), Know Your Employability Rights, Life In The Uk, Basic IT skills, Setting Up Your Own Business.

ESOL for Employment – step 2 skills

How the support is accessed?

Referral from DBC, HCC, HWR, Refugee Council, Reed, Job Centres and general advertising. Progression from other providers such as West Herts College, through Job clubs such as Southhall Centre.

Referral through

District & Boroughs

Herts Welcome Refugees

Refugee Council

Job Centre

Other job clubs

Strategic Migration Partnership

Employability for Overseas Nationals

CV preparation, cover letters, assistance with applications and interview practice.

Specialist employment adviser for graduates and professional careers, including high skills job

search course and mentoring.

Assistance to restart a medical career, including referrals for medical support worker and clinical attachment roles.  Courses to prepare for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET) exams.

Help with driving theory including an online self-study course.

East Herts residents only

Hong Kong BN(O)s

Ukrainian Guests

VPRS/VCRS

Former UASC now over 18

(with permission to work)

Asylum Seekers

Skillsum

A comprehensive range of employability and skills support, including:

  • NHS employment supporting participants into entry-level and administrative roles.

  • Construction pathways, including full support with CSCS training, preparation and card attainment.

  • Retail and warehouse employment, supported through partnerships with local employers and agencies.

A short, targeted programme that combines:

  • Digital skills and AI literacy – introducing practical tools (AI basics, productivity, job search automation)

  • Employability training – CVs, interview preparation, and LinkedIn

  • Business English – to build confidence in both written and spoken communication

  • Mentoring and coaching – strengthening resilience, workplace readiness, and long-term integration

Open to;

Refugees, asylum seekers with permission to work particular focus on supporting residents currently living in refugee hotels

Specialist Training and Employment STEP Programme

Employment support and English language classes to up to 4,000 Ukrainians and HK BNO(s) residing in England.

3-month programme

  • 12 weeks of one-to-one personalised employment support

  • 10 weeks of daily English classes (Monday to Friday)

6-month programme

  • 24 weeks of one-to-one personalised employment support

  • 17 weeks of English classes (3 days a week) 

Open to;

HKBNO

Ukrainians

GoVolHerts

Volunteering can be an activity that helps in the search for work.

  • Anyone/everyone can freely visit to search for opportunities to volunteer with non-profit endeavours in Hertfordshire

  • Anyone/everyone can freely and easily create an account in order to contact the organisations via the website to find out more or apply

  • Model is digital self-service.

  • We have a Help centre with step by step guides Help | GoVolHerts

  • We also have a newsletter that anyone with an email address can sign up to and get information about volunteering, events, news etc

Open to;

Anyone over 16 years old

Money and benefits information

Banking

Although all high street banks should open accounts for asylum seekers and refugees, it does seem to depend on the area and the bank that is approached.  Some banks seem to be easier to work with than others.  Some local charities can support asylum seekers and refugees in opening an account.  See local support available guidance sheet (PDF 407KB)

Online bank accounts are sometimes easier to open, these include

Citizens Advice Dacorum can provide countywide advice and information about money and benefits

Banking Guide for Refugees - Refugee Council 

Claiming Universal Credit and other benefits if you are a refugee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Immigration support and advice

Citizens Advice Stevenage provide an immigration advice service for refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. immigration@castevenage.org.uk

Citizens Advice Dacorum Asylum Refugee Support - countywide, confidential, independent information helpline providing holistic advice and general support. Please note, this is a rights advice service, it will not find accommodation for someone.

eVisa

How to apply for an eVisa - Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK. 

If you require support with this, please email Citizens Advice Stevenage.

 

Safety, safeguarding and reporting concerns

Call emergency services on 999 if you or another person is in immediate danger or if a crime is being committed. If there is no immediate risk but a police response is required, call 101 as soon as possible, or if health advice is required, call 111.

Domestic Abuse

If there is an immediate need to flee for safety, refer to Safer Places to arrange safe accommodation. Call 025811 (24hrs) Email: info@saferplaces.co.uk  or use the online referral form

If there is no immediate need to flee but the person still needs support with Domestic Abuse, contact Mimram Gender Based Abuse Service
Call: 0300 790 6772 to speak to a specialist IGVA
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9am – 5pm  
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9am – 8pm  
Website: https://www.mimramsupport.co.uk
Email: mimram@refuge.org.uk
Mimram referral link information pack for Professionals (PDF 310KB)

Migrant women and girls' safety - guidance for staff and volunteers (PDF 305kb).

 

  • Report modern slavery or exploitation (GOV.UK)
  • Someone becoming radicalised - the Prevent strategy aims to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism. In an emergency always call 999, otherwise email prevent@hertfordshire.gov.uk
  • Reporting incidents.  The police want to help everyone in the community to feel safe and trust them. They want people to tell them if something is wrong, like a crime or a problem in the neighbourhood. Special officers, called Engagement Officers, will work with other groups and talk to people to give advice. They will be the main contact for the police and can help you find the right department if you need more help. You can contact Dani and Emma at communityengagement@herts.police.uk

Safety in asylum seeker hotels and dispersed accommodation.

If you have a concern about a situation in one of the asylum contingency hotels or properties:

The Police

Displaced International Recruits (DIRs)

Some people came to the UK to work in the care sector, but their employers lost their licences, leaving them without jobs or valid visas. Funding is available to help them find new work with approved sponsors.
If you know someone affected, direct them to Displaced International Workers – Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Hertfordshire & Suffolk Support to fill out an online form.
Email internationalrecruitsupport@hertfordshire.gov.uk for advice.

People with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

The NRPF Network explains:

Check someone's immigration status

Contact community.wellbeing@hertfordshire.gov.uk. We can check a person's immigration status on the NRPF Connect database to find out a person's immigration status and whether they have recourse to public funds. If you are a worker or volunteer, you will need to get consent.

To remove the 'no recourse to public funds' restriction, you can apply for a change of conditions.

 

Children and Young People

Separated Migrant Children
Hertfordshire County Council provides support for children who arrive in the UK without parents or guardians.

Family centres
Support from pregnancy until your child leaves school. You can request support online or find your nearest family centre.

School admissions
 

Local and National Support
  • To find local and countywide information on the support available for refugees and asylum seekers, see Guidance sheet –  Finding support info & reaching out (PDF 259KB)
  • Migrant Help - provides independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers in the UK to move through and understand the asylum process. Support is also provided in the days following a positive asylum decision.
  • Hertfordshire Directory - find local support services, including care and support, community groups and much more.

Weekly drop-in hubs 

Visit their website for dates, times and contact details.

These hubs offer:

  • friendly practical advice on housing, jobs, finances and English language.
  • virtual hubs - join a video call with one or more experts from across the country, to answer your questions.

Hotel managers and community groups can also contact these hubs on your behalf.

Support for Organisations

Funding is available for community projects that:

  • Help people build confidence and independence
  • Support integration into local communities
  • Prepare families moving on from temporary accommodation
  • Improve mental health and wellbeing

Support for voluntary and community organisations.

For applications or queries, email Community.Wellbeing@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Key Contacts and Networks

Documents

Legal

 

After you submit your asylum application

 

Things to do while you wait for a decision

Don't wait to hear from the Home Office about your asylum application. Start to prepare for if you get a positive decision. Once you do get a decision, you will have less than 2 months before you need to leave your current Home Office accommodation.

Improve your English

It is really important that you learn to speak English as this will improve your chances of getting a job. Do not wait until you get a decision on your asylum claim. See our education section for more information.

 

Consider your budget

Find out what benefits you will be entitled to and work out your budget.

 

Housing – research what you can afford

In nearly all cases, the government will not provide you with accommodation once a decision has been made about your asylum application.

You will have less than 2 months to leave the Home Office property if you receive your right to remain.

Housing advice – including types of housing, paying rent and tenancy agreements.

 

Improve your chances of getting a job

Libraries in Hertfordshire – you can get free access to computers, the internet, books and newspapers

If you get a positive decision on your asylum application and become a refugee

If you receive a positive decision, please refer to the following checklist to support you to:

 

What you need to do next

When you receive a decision, you will have less than 2 months to leave the Home Office provided accommodation.

  1. Keep your decision letter safe for future reference
  2. Check the expiry date on your eVisa
  3. Apply for Universal Credit or look for a job – contact Jobcentre plus or Citizens Advice. These can take time to process, start early! Remember your Aspen card will stop working on the day that you move out and any remaining funds will be lost. Use remaining funds before moving out.
  4. Contact Migrant Help or Citizens Advice Stevenage if you need advice and support with money.
  5. Look for housing. Hertfordshire Citizens Advice can give you advice on your housing options, rights & responsibilities.
  6. Update your address details with the Home Office if required.
  7. Make sure that you are registered with a GP in your new area (you can use a GP registration transfer card) and ensure you have enough medication if needed.
  8. Download the NHS app and make a note of your NHS Number. 

If you get a negative decision on your asylum application
Voluntary return to your home country

You may be able to get help to return to your home country if you do not have permission to remain in the UK. This is known as ‘voluntary return’.

If eligible, the voluntary returns service can:

  • explain options for returning home
  • help get travel documents, such as a passport
  • pay for travel tickets, if unable to.

You may also be eligible to apply for financial support of up to £3,000. This can be used to find somewhere to live, find a job or start a business in your home country. 

Get help to return home if you’re a migrant in the UK: Overview - GOV.UK

 

 
Contact us

asylumsupport@hertfordshire.gov.uk

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