Migrant Experiences
About the study
The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is carrying out research to understand how recent changes to immigration policy have affected people’s experience of coming to the UK and the immigration system.
We are speaking to people:
- Who arrived in the UK in the last 3 years AND
- Who have claimed asylum or been referred to the National Referral Mechanism for potential victims of trafficking
This research is funded by the Home Office, but NatCen is an independent organisation. This means we are not part of the Home Office or the government, and we do not make decisions on whether people can stay in the UK.
What do I have to do?
Taking part would involve a research interview.
- The interview will be with a researcher from NatCen and last 60-90 minutes.
- You can do the interview in a language other than English if you would like to. We would use an interpreter.
- You can have someone with you to support you if you would like.
- You can choose to do the interview by telephone, by video call, or in person at a time that suits you.
- If you agree, we will record the interview to ensure nothing you say is forgotten.
- You will receive a £40 shopping voucher to thank you for your time.
- We may ask you to take part in further research to learn more about your experiences.
What will you ask me about?
Before the interview, we will ask you some questions about you, when you arrived, and your immigration application, to make sure our questions are suitable for you.
During the interview, we will ask you about:
- Your journey to the UK
- What has happened since you arrived, including your experience of the immigration system
We won’t ask you questions about what happened to you in your country of origin.
The research interview is not an immigration interview – it does not form part of your case. We do not make decisions on whether people can stay in the UK nor will we share information from this interview with people making that decision.
You can choose not to answer any question that you do not want to.
Do I have to take part?
You do not have to take part if you do not want to. Taking part or not taking part will have no impact on your immigration case or your right to stay here now or in the future.
You can choose not to answer any question you do not want to and can ask for your data to be removed from the research up to 6 weeks after the interview, without giving a reason.
What will happen to the information I give you?
In line with data protection legislation, all the information you provide will be held in strict confidence, stored securely, and deleted at the end of the project. We will write a report for the Home Office about the main issues discussed by you and others in similar circumstances. We will not tell anyone, including the Home Office, who has taken part or what individual participants have said. We will not include any names, case numbers or specific details in the report.
Further information about how we use and store your data is provided at the privacy notice page.
Where can I get support with my case?
The following organisations will be able to provide support or information about the immigration system.
Migrant Help
Provide advice and support to people seeking asylum
Website: www.migranthelpuk.org
Helpline (freephone 24 hours a day): 0808 8010 503
Email: Contact Migrant Help via webchat or via an online enquiry form.
Refugee Council
Provide advice and support to people seeking asylum
Website: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
Helpline (9:30 am -12:30 pm Mon – Thurs): 0808 196 7272
Email: refugeeadvice@refugeecouncil.org.uk
Samaritans
Provide advice and support to people suffering with mental health issues
Website: www.samaritans.org
Helpline (Freephone, 24 hours a day): 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to change the time of the interview, please contact us.
Email: migrantexp@natcen.ac.uk
Freephone: 0808 1682791