Migrants in UK fear charges for NHS virus treatment, say charities

Non-EU migrants living and working in the UK have to pay a surcharge to use the NHS, brought in as part of the Government’s so called “hostile environment” policy on immigration in 2015.

Amid fears it could stop people with suspected coronavirus from seeking vital help – access to any services linked to Covid was made exempt from any charges.

But charities say many migrants are worried they will be landed with bills they can not afford or that they will be reported to the immigration authorities and possibly detained. Fatima Manji reports.