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Information » World, Europe, UK & Wales » Visitors to Wales and Immigrants

Immigration refers to the movement of people from one nation-state to another
There are lots of different groups of immigrants
An immigrant is a person who leaves their home country to settle temporarily or permanently in another country
7.5% of people living in Britain were born abroad and 2.66% of the Welsh population were born abroad
Wales falls under UK immigration law and standards but the Welsh Assembly Government is responsible for the services they receive in Wales
Immigration is a life-changing process which often involves leaving behind family and friends. Immigrants face a challenge and need to adapt to new laws, a new culture, new language and search for a job and a home
In some cases, immigrants may experience racism, hostility and conflict in their new country
Immigration is now a political issue, and in some countries, the major political issue
Immigration status is hugely important because you are likely to be asked about it when applying for hospital treatment, a bank account, social security benefits, housing from the local authority, education, a marriage license or a job

Types of visitors to Wales and immigrants

Asylum seekers

Under UK law an asylum seeker is someone who is waiting for their application to live in the country to be assessed
Asylum seekers are people who flee their home country often because major conflicts have taken place or because serious human rights breaches have occurred
They seek refuge or asylum in another country by lodging an asylum application. It is the responsibility of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) in the Home Office to make the initial decision on the asylum application
A failed asylum seeker is someone whose application has been turned down and who is waiting to return to their country

Asylum Seeker Young People

Refugees

A refugee is someone whose asylum application has been successful and who has achieved 'refugee status'. A refugee is allowed to stay in the country having proved they would face persecution back home (race; religion; nationality; political opinion; sexuality; orientation)
An illegal immigrant is someone who has arrived in another country and has intentionally not made themselves known to the authorities. This means they have no legal basis to stay in the country
An economic migrant is someone who has moved to another country to work. English, Scottish or Northern Irish people are more likely to be economic migrants

Visitors