Undocumented migrants should not fear deportation if they seek coronavirus help, minister confirms

Illegal immigrants should not fear being deported if they seek medical advice over coronavirus,  a Home Office minister has confirmed.
By Geraldine Scott
Published 23rd Mar 2020, 16:39 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2020, 19:30 BST

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Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis asked minister Kevin Foster in the Commons today what measures had been taken to ensure those in the country illegally would be able to seek medical help.

He said: “We probably have over half a million undocumented migrants in this country, people who if they fall ill with coronavirus may be afraid to declare themselves to the health authorities for fear of deportation.”

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Mr Davis pointed out how in Ireland the Government had blocked some departments from accessing health service data, and while he admitted he was not sure whether that was the correct approach, he urged Mr Foster to find a “similar resolution”.

The Oastler Centre market in Bradford, where all non-food stalls were forced to close from today due to coronavirus. Photo: Asadour GuzelianThe Oastler Centre market in Bradford, where all non-food stalls were forced to close from today due to coronavirus. Photo: Asadour Guzelian
The Oastler Centre market in Bradford, where all non-food stalls were forced to close from today due to coronavirus. Photo: Asadour Guzelian

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Mr Foster said: “No one should fear accessing medical advice from our superb NHS due to an immigration reason.”

Related topics:David DavisHome OfficeFacebookGovernmentHowdenIreland

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