Migrant Rights and Refugees
This page supports providers to ensure international recruits, migrants and refugees have access to accurate information about their rights, legal status and sources of help.
International recruits may:
- Arrive from overseas through formal recruitment routes
- Already be living in the UK as refugees or migrants
- Be unfamiliar with UK employment rights, legal systems and safeguarding processes
Providing clear information and signposting is part of good practice and supports safe, ethical recruitment and retention.
Employer Responsibilities
Providers should:
- Ensure recruits understand their employment and legal rights
- Signpost to trusted, independent advice services
- Be alert to risks of exploitation or abuse
- Support compliance with the Code of Practice for international recruitment
This support is relevant whether a worker is:
- Recruited directly from overseas
- A refugee or asylum seeker already in the UK
- A migrant transitioning into the care sector
UK Government guidance on immigration and employment
Embassies and High Commissions
Some recruits may wish to register with or contact the embassy or high commission of their home country.
A full list of foreign embassies and high commissions in the UK is available via:
National Rights and Advice Organisations
Employers may wish to signpost recruits to independent organisations that provide clear, trusted advice on immigration, employment and human rights.
A national charity working alongside migrants to secure rights and justice.
Provides Know Your Rights guides and practical resources.
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
Offers tools, briefings and campaigns focused on migrant rights and immigration policy.
Produces accessible guides explaining the UK immigration and asylum system.
Provides advice on moving to and staying in the UK, including visas and legal rights.
Local Support Organisations
Local organisations can offer practical help, community connection and specialist advice.
Portsmouth
- Portsmouth City of Sanctuary – Refugee Hub, English classes and casework
- Friends Without Borders – Support for refugees and vulnerable migrants
- HIVE Portsmouth – Directory of local migrant and refugee support
- Citizens Advice Portsmouth – Immigration and general advice
Hampshire
- Gurkha Welfare Advice Centre (Aldershot) – Support for retired Gurkhas and widows
- Hampshire County Council – Ukrainian Guest Guidance
- Winchester City of Sanctuary
- Winchester City Refugee Support Facebook group
- Churches Together in Winchester – Support for Syrian refugee families
- Rural Refugee Network– Resettlement support across Hampshire
Southampton
- CLEAR Project (City Life Church) – Advice and guidance for refugees and migrants
- HK Welcome – Support for Hong Kong arrivals
- Southampton Action – Practical refugee support
- Two Saints – Refugee housing and resettlement support
Isle of Wight
- Community Action Isle of Wight – Support for Ukrainian arrivals
Modern Slavery and Exploitation
Even where there is no legal requirement to publish a Modern Slavery Statement, all employers should remain vigilant to the risks of exploitation within the care sector.
National Support and Guidance
- Unseen– Modern slavery charity providing employer guidance and reporting routes
- Justice and Care – Resources on recognising the signs of modern slavery
- Skills for Care – Training videos and guidance on modern slavery in care
- South East Strategic Partnership for Migration – Regional leadership and coordination
Reporting Concerns
If you suspect modern slavery or exploitation:
- Modern Slavery Helpline: 0800 012 1700
- Police (non-emergency): 101
- Emergency: 999
Local safeguarding routes
- Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board
- Hampshire Adult Safeguarding
- Southampton Local Safeguarding Adults Board
- Isle of Wight Safeguarding Adults Board
Good Practice for Providers
- Provide rights information early and revisit it regularly
- Signpost to independent advice, not just internal processes
- Be alert to vulnerability during early employment
- Promote a culture where concerns can be raised safely
- Treat safeguarding as part of ethical recruitment
Supporting migrant and refugee rights is fundamental to safe, lawful and compassionate care provision.
