Kurdish Development Association Campaign Against No Recourse to Public Funds Restrictions

That the Parliament recognises that the "no recourse to public funds" restrictions placed on many forms of leave to remain in Scotland and across the UK are a source of significant financial hardship; appreciates that a great many people have been living, working and contributing economically, socially and culturally to life in Scotland and the UK while being excluded from accessing any public funds; is concerned that these restrictions, which can be a cause of hardship at the best of times, are pushing people and families into destitution during the COVID-19 crisis; acknowledges that people from all backgrounds have found their livelihoods and incomes under threat due to COVID-19 and not all of those affected have been able to access financial assistance through government support schemes; understands that this situation is particularly desperate for those subject to "no recourse to public funds" restrictions, who are also excluded from the social safety net, which would be able to provide support such as housing benefit or universal credit; recognises the work of the Kurdish Development Association and, in particular, Shakha Sattar for their work in highlighting these issues and campaigning for change; believes that it is essential that everyone should have access to a social safety net as a basic human right, and calls on the UK Government to immediately lift the "no recourse to public funds" restrictions and ensure that everyone who needs it can access support during this crisis and the recovery that follows.