African Diasporan Community Seek Financial Support As UK Inflation Soars

A new report has revealed that African immigrants in the United Kingdom are struggling to pay bills as they are most affected by the persistent rising cost of living.

The report published by an African communications service community, disclosed that many African residents in the UK suffer to afford basic needs such as food, housing and energy. This has forced the African Diasporan community to seek financial support as the report said inflation upsets the economy.

With over 1,000 Africans surveyed, Robert Ekat, Lead Researcher, at BHM said, “The findings reveal the stark reality of the financial struggles faced by this community, with job security and monthly bills being the top concerns. It ultimately adds to the existing body of research on the impact of the cost of living crisis on different communities in the UK and we are enthusiastic that researchers, policymakers, and organisations will find the data useful in developing future policies and actions for the betterment of the African community.”

BHM Founder, Ayeni Adekunle says “This report is critical as it highlights the impact of the cost of living crisis on African immigrants. It is a deliberately qualitative report with factual data to help us comprehend the practical impact of rising costs on individuals and communities”.

The report further said, “Almost 60% of those surveyed have turned to family for financial support in recent times, while 44.5% admit to borrowing to pay for everyday needs. As the crisis bites deeper, several participants say they have had to cut down on essentials to survive.”

The emigration of Africans to the UK has seen an enormous rise over the past year. According to the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory, net migration was unusually high in 2022 as rises in temporary work and study migration post-pandemic have contributed to the surge.

Despite significant contributions to the UK economy, the report showed that 84% of the respondents in the African immigrant community do not claim any form of financial support from the UK government. This is a clear contrast compared to other groups like citizens of the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and the UK, who have access to benefits like Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), to name a few.

Over 77% of participants in the report revealed that family and friends expect some support, thereby intensifying the desperation for survival. This was reflected in the admittance by almost 59% of respondents that the current economic situation in the UK is affecting their mental and physical health.

Enitan Kehinde, General Manager, BHM UK, said, “We are delighted to inform public discourse and help raise awareness about the economic and psychological issues facing Africans in the UK. This is necessary for us to demonstrate increased understanding, empathy and support for these individuals and communities and to inspire practicable solutions.”

With many Africans seeking to migrate to the UK in the coming months, BHM UK’s report on the cost of living crisis, critically expounds on the experiences of African expatriates and the interventions to embark upon, especially by government and organisations targeted at the African community.