Who's Who?
Who's Here?
We are dedicated to fostering understanding and support for minority-ethnic individuals, migrant workers, and those seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland. Our resource booklet, "Who's Who? Who's Here?", aims to illuminate the challenges faced by these communities while providing insightful information about refugees in the UK.
This informative guide dispels common myths surrounding migrants, highlighting the actual numbers of people who find refuge in the UK, their invaluable contributions to our society, and the complex reasons that drive migration. We believe that knowledge is crucial in building a welcoming environment, and we hope this booklet serves as a vital resource for everyone, including churches, community groups, and individuals who wish to support our efforts.
By understanding the realities of migration and the stories behind the statistics, we can create a more inclusive Northern Ireland. It's through education and awareness that we can erase misconceptions and promote empathy. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have come to our shores seeking safety and a brighter future.
DONATE TODAY
If you are inspired to help us, please consider donating today.
Together, we can create a supportive, welcoming environment for refugees and migrants in Northern Ireland.
People Seeking Asylum & Refugees
Who is an asylum seeker?
A person who is looking for a safe place outside her/his own country. People seek asylum if they fear persecution in their own country because of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, social group, or political opinion. People seeking asylum are going through a legal process to have their claim for protection recognised.
What is our obligation to people seeking asylum?
The UK signed the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. This means that the government has agreed to allow people who enter the country to apply for asylum here. These people have a legal right to be here while their application is considered.
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is someone who applies for asylum and is subsequently granted refugee status. A small number of people who are granted refugee status by the UN Refugee Agency agency are resettles in the UK
Do many people come here to seek asylum?
In December 2023, 2,831 people were being supported by the Home Office while applying for asylum, and some others were supporting themselves. Those who were here in June 2023 were from 66 countries, with the largest numbers from Eritrea, Syria and Somalia. Under special schemes Northern Ireland (NI) has also welcomed 1,828 resettlement refugees from the Syrian conflict; around 3,000 Ukrainians; under 200 Afghans; and around 2,000 Hong Kongers.
Do people seeking asylum come here because of our benefits system?
Rent research indicates that most people who seek asylum in the UK have no knowledge of our benefits system. While their applications are considered, asylum applicants are not entitled to receive benefits but if they are destitute, as at March 2024, they can receive £49.18 per week plus accommodation or £8.86 if they are put up in hotels where meals are provided. Most are not eligible to work here.
Migration
Who is a migrant worker?
Someone who leaves his or her country to seek work elsewhere. The term normally applies to people who do not plan to remain permanently in another country. If a person from Lisburn goes to Canada or Dublin to work, he or she is a migrant worker.
Who is an immigrant?
All people coming into the country to work are immigrants, but the word normally applies to people who intend to settle and integrate here. People who are born here are not ‘immigrants’. Many people from minority-ethnic backgrounds have been here for generations.
Who is entitled to work here?
People entitled to work here usually have one of the following:
- British or Irish citizenship.
- A form of immigration status such as pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or other rights to live here on a long-term basis.
- A work visa because of a high level of skill, or an occupation where there is a shortage of workers.
- A temporary visa for seasonal work e.g. in agriculture.
- A special category job, such as a diplomat, that does not require a visa.
- A student visa permitting part-time work.
Why is there migration today?
There has always been migration. Anyone from NI is likely to have relatives abroad because their ancestors left here for many different reasons. People move here now because declining birth rates in industrialised countries have meant that fewer young people have been joining the work force. There is also greater ease of communication and international transport is cheaper and more readily available.
How many migrants have come here recently?
The most recent census shows that the number of people living in NI who were born outside the UK and Ireland has grown from 81,500 people (4.5 percent) in 2011 to 124,300 people (6.5 percent) in 2021. The 2021 figure is the highest ever recorded in NI. 4.6 percent of NI’s population have a main language other than English; the most prevalent main languages other than English were Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, and Portuguese.
Do we really need migrant workers?
Migrant workers tend to come here because they hear of job vacancies. There are skills gaps and labour shortages, especially in hospitals and nursing homes, food processing, farming, IT, and service industries.
Do they cost us money?
There are costs because of increased pressure on medical, education, and housing services, but migrant workers pay tax and national insurance like everyone else. They contribute to the local economy by paying rent and buying food, clothing, and other necessities.
What about jobs for local people?
Because migrants tend to take jobs where there is a shortage of local workers, when international migration to NI was at its height, in 2007, unemployment was only 3.7%
Join Our Mailing List
Stay connected with our community by joining our mailing list. By signing up, you will receive updates on EMBRACE events, new or updated resources and our Reflections newsletter.
To join our mailing list, simply fill in your name and e-mail address below, and send it to us. Thank you for your interest.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, are looking for information or resources, make use of this site or get in touch. If you would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can email us to learn more about how you can help.
General Office
info@embraceni.org
Postal Contact
EMBRACE NI, Duncairn Complex, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6BP
How to help and resources
Quick links
DISCLAIMER: We have taken reasonable measures to check the accuracy of the information on this site and trust that it is useful. However, it is intended as a general summary of information and should not take the place of written law or regulations. The inclusion of links to organisations in any section is not an endorsement of these groups. We cannot take responsibility for information contained on other websites.
We are registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (NIC100294).