Most GP Surgeries Refuse to Register Undocumented Migrants Despite NHS Policy

London: There are thought to be up to 1.2 million undocumented migrants in the UK, according to a 2019 report by the Pew social science research centre. Many are cut off from public services, often with the fear of deportation hanging over them. During the pandemic, those who live in the UK, but have an uncertain immigration status, have faced major barriers to receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. The simplest route to getting vaccinated is to be registered with a GP: invitations to book an appointment are sent to the mobile number or address held by your surgery.

NHS England policy is clear. It says on its website: “Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery. It’s free to register. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.”

But an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has found that less than a quarter of GP surgeries (24%) surveyed in cities across England, Scotland and Wales would register someone without proof of address, proof of ID or legal immigration status. Almost two-thirds (62%) told us they would not register the patient, while the remaining 14% said they were unsure whether they could.

By law, a GP surgery can only refuse a patient’s registration if it has “reasonable grounds” to do so. NHS policies in England and Scotland state that not having proof of address, ID or immigration status do not constitute reasonable grounds for refusal. A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed that proof of address and ID were not required for registration. And yet in reality, people trying to register are often asked for immigration status and official documents – and often turned away if they do not have them.

Source: Bureau of Investigative Jounalism, https://is.gd/XdC13e