Our first report about the activity of our Link Service, from its opening at the end of August 2023 until December 2024, unveils the harsh realities of destitution, systemic barriers, and exclusion from essential services faced by EU migrants and their family members in post-Brexit Scotland.
The aftermath of Brexit has left some of them grappling with numerous challenges that threaten their well-being and access to fundamental rights. Generally, for migrants, navigating the system of their host country is a challenge, not only due to language and cultural barriers, but also because laws and systems often work differently. In this case, Brexit added another layer of complexity for EU migrants navigating the UK migration system.
This blog delves into the findings and stories behind the numbers, shedding light on why more long-term funding and urgent action is needed.
Key Findings from the Report
Our report highlights systemic challenges faced by EU migrants, exacerbated by post-Brexit migration policies. Here are the most pressing issues:
Destitution Among Those with Pre-Settled Status
Migrants with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) often struggle to meet the Habitual Residence Test—a requirement to access welfare benefits. This has left many individuals and families without basic support, leading to food insecurity and homelessness. Vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities or severe health conditions, are disproportionately affected.
Barriers to Accessing Justice
A crisis in legal aid availability has created significant obstacles for migrants attempting to resolve disputes, from unpaid wages to housing conflicts. Many individuals find themselves unable to afford legal representation, forcing them to navigate complex legal systems alone or abandon their claims altogether.
Exclusion from Essential Services
Migrants face a range of systemic barriers that make it difficult to access essential services, including:
- Digital Exclusion: Older adults and vulnerable individuals often struggle with the digitised nature of many services.
- Language Barriers: Poor and lack of interpretation services exacerbate confusion and stress for non-English speakers.
- Fragmented Support Systems: Long waiting times for welfare services frequently result in missed appeal deadlines and unresolved issues.
Agota Rauktyte, an Outreach & Link Worker with the project, shares her frontline experience: “Many clients come to us feeling hopeless—unable to access essential services, navigate complex systems, or even secure basic rights like housing or benefits. What we do is more than just provide advice; we rebuild trust, advocate for their rights, and ensure they are not left behind.”
By the Numbers: Impact of the Link Service
Since its inception, 282 individuals have benefited from the Link Service. Among them, 37 people had cases—a total of 48—that required direct intervention to address urgent and complex needs. Additionally, 70% of these clients faced at least one vulnerability, such as limited English or digital skills, homelessness, or disabilities and physical/mental health impairments.
We also supported 54 clients with queries that were resolved without requiring direct intervention and engaged 191 people in workshops covering topics like energy advice, employment rights, and housing.
This underscores the critical need for continued support and long-term investment to address systemic gaps effectively.
Human Stories Behind the Statistics
While the data is alarming, the individual stories behind these numbers are even more compelling. Please note, names used in these case studies are fictional to protect client privacy. More in-depth case studies can be found in the full report.
Maria: A Spanish Single Mother
Maria battled for two years to recover £800 in backdated housing benefits. With our support, she finally secured the funds owed to her. “Tomorrow the UC will make the first payment of the three months’ rent,” she shared with relief.
Jakub: An Elderly Polish Pensioner
Jakub was left homeless after being assaulted by a family member. With pre-settled status and no immediate support, he faced destitution. Our team helped him secure temporary shelter and began advocating for his housing and financial security. This case is still ongoing as we work to find a permanent solution in Scotland for this client.
Luca: An Italian Migrant
Luca lost his job and faced mounting debt, housing issues, and poor health. Through financial management and health advocacy, we are helping him to regain stability. While his case is still ongoing, Luca shared that the support he has received so far makes him feel *”a little bit more confident about everything going in the right way.”
An Urgent Call to Action
The findings in this report reveal an urgent need for systemic change to support vulnerable EU migrant communities in Scotland. The Citizens Rights Project is calling for immediate reforms:
- Reform the Habitual Residence Test: Ensure that vulnerable migrants can access essential welfare and housing support.
- Expand Legal Aid Availability: Provide accessible legal aid to individuals regardless of income or status.
- Address Digital and Language Barriers: Invest in accessible, culturally sensitive support systems to bridge gaps in communication and accessibility.
Noelia Martinez, CEO of the Citizens Rights Project, emphasises the critical need for action: “Exclusion from benefits, barriers to justice, and fragmented services leave already vulnerable people at risk of destitution and harm. Addressing these systemic gaps is not only necessary but urgent. Without further investment in services and reforms to policies like the Habitual Residence Test, we risk leaving more people behind.”
Infographic: Key Insights at a Glance
To make our findings more accessible, we’ve created an infographic summarizing the key challenges EU migrants face. Click here to view the infographic.
Read the full report and discover how you can support this vital cause. Download the full report here.
The Outreach & Link Service has been made possible thanks to funding from The Robertson Trust and People’s Postcode Trust. Additionally, outreach efforts, including information creation and sessions, have been supported by funding from the Scottish Government, the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations and the National Lottery Community Fund. The Citizens Rights Project is deeply grateful for this vital support, which has enabled us to empower vulnerable migrant communities across Scotland.