Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what public information he is providing to reassure (a) illegal migrants and (b) overstayers that they should not avoid medical treatment if they have symptoms of covid-19, and can come forward for (i) medical assistance or (ii) to receive immunisation without being reported to the Home Office.

The Department has published a message on the National Health Service website stating that overseas visitors to England, including anyone living in the United Kingdom without permission, will not be charged for testing or treatment for COVID-19 or for vaccination. The message also states that no immigration checks are needed to receive these services.

This message has been shared with Public Health England and included in the migrant health guide. Translated information on testing and treatment is currently available in 40 languages and will shortly be updated to include the information on vaccination. The Department is engaged in producing further communications materials and is working with other government departments to ensure this message reaches vulnerable migrant groups.