THE CABLE
African immigrants in the UK are the worst hit by the persistent rising cost of living crisis in the country, a new report has found.
The report released on Wednesday by BHM UK, an African communications services company, showed that many Africans in the UK are struggling to afford basic needs such as housing, food, and energy, with many said to be seeking financial support.
Of the 1000 Africans interviewed, 60 percent said they have turned to family for financial support in recent times, while 44.5 percent admitted to borrowing to pay for everyday needs. Several respondents said they have had to cut down on essentials to survive.
At least 28 percent of respondents said they struggle to afford gas monthly, 69.4 percent plan to reduce the use of power, and 47 percent have had to miss meals so they could pay bills.
RISE OF AFRICAN EMIGRATION TO THE UK
The emigration of Africans to the UK has seen an astronomical increase over the past year.
According to the University of Oxford’s migration observatory, net migration was unusually high in 2022, with increases in temporary work and study migration post-pandemic contributing to the surge.
In 2022, Nigerians accounted for the highest number of dependants accompanying persons with study visas for the year.
For work visas, Nigeria recorded the second highest figure on the list of nationalities who got approval.
‘MOST IMMIGRANTS DON’T GET FINANCIAL AID’
Despite significant contributions to the UK economy, the report found that 84 percent of the respondents in the African immigrant community do not claim any form of financial support from the UK government, unlike others from European countries.
