Migration to the UK: From Rumors to Realities

Kokcha News Agency – The UK has long been a primary destination for Iranian migrants and asylum seekers. However, the path to getting there is often clouded by misleading advertisements and false promises.

On social media and even on websites selling goods and clothing, enticing ads promise guaranteed ways to reach European countries, including the UK. These guarantees are often peddled by human traffickers and smugglers targeting illegal migrants and asylum seekers who are desperate to reach the UK at any cost.

Many intermediary companies charge fees to help with visa and residency applications, only to disappear once the money is paid, leaving applicants stranded without recourse.

Legal Pathways to the UK:
Kaveh Behshadizadeh, a UK-based immigration and asylum lawyer, advises that the best way to navigate the complex immigration process is through licensed lawyers. This way, if the application is mishandled, applicants can file complaints against the lawyers, unlike with shady companies that may be involved in fraud.

The most common legal pathways to the UK are through work and student visas. Previously, investment visas were also an option, but the UK has since changed its laws and no longer offers residency based on investment. While countries like Greece and Spain still offer residency through property purchases, the UK has distanced itself from such schemes.

Behshadizadeh notes that there are still ways to invest in the UK and obtain residency, but these are highly technical and require consultation with a specialized lawyer.

Student Visas: The Expensive Route:
UK universities are among the most expensive in the world. International students can expect to pay significantly higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. For example, a UK student studying law might pay between £9,000 and £9,500 per year, while an international student in the same program could pay around £27,000 annually.

Behshadizadeh advises that students should seek information directly from universities or consult with immigration lawyers to navigate the complex visa process.

Work Visas: Secure a Job Before Migrating:
For those seeking work visas, Behshadizadeh emphasizes that applicants must secure a job in the UK before migrating. The UK government maintains a list of occupations in demand, including doctors, engineers, nurses, and lawyers. If an applicant finds a job in one of these fields and the employer is authorized to hire from abroad, the process becomes much smoother.

Work visas are typically issued for three years, renewable for another two, after which applicants can apply for permanent residency.

The Harsh Reality of Asylum:
One common misconception among asylum seekers is the belief that they will receive substantial monthly benefits upon reaching the UK. However, the reality is far from this.

Asylum seekers are provided with temporary shelter, often in hotels or camps, and receive minimal financial support. Those in camps or hotels receive around £8-9 per week, while those in housing may receive £38-40 per week. Behshadizadeh notes that this amount is barely enough to survive, especially in a city like London where a single coffee can cost £4.

Accelerated Processing and Deportations:
The UK government has recently accelerated the processing of asylum applications, with the goal of clearing all pending cases by 2029. However, this has also led to an increase in deportations. In the past six months alone, over 14,000 asylum seekers have been deported.

Behshadizadeh warns that while faster processing may seem humane, it has led to many legitimate cases being rejected on flimsy grounds, including cases of individuals who have faced torture or imprisonment in their home countries.

Legal Recourse Against Lawyers:
In the UK, lawyers are restricted from advising asylum seekers who are still outside the country. However, if a lawyer provides incorrect information or mishandles a case, clients can file complaints with the bar association or seek compensation through legal channels.

Migration to the UK is a complex and often challenging process, fraught with legal hurdles and misinformation. While there are legitimate pathways, such as work and student visas, the journey requires careful planning and consultation with qualified professionals.