Windrush Scheme
Documentation, status and compensation under the Windrush Scheme.
The Windrush generation — those who came to the UK from Commonwealth countries between 1948 and 1973 — have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Sadly, many members of the Windrush generation and their children have faced significant difficulties proving their status due to the destruction of landing cards and other records. BW Solicitors provides compassionate, expert advice on all Windrush-related matters, including documentation, the Windrush Compensation Scheme, and British citizenship applications.
Who Is Affected?
Those most commonly affected include people who arrived in the UK from Commonwealth countries as children and have lived here for decades, as well as their UK-born or UK-raised children. Many have faced difficulties with employment, housing, healthcare and travel because they could not prove their right to live in the UK. The Windrush Scheme was established to correct these injustices.
- Commonwealth nationals who arrived in the UK before 1 January 1973
- Those who arrived as children accompanying qualifying parents
- Certain individuals who arrived before 31 December 1988 from other countries
- Children born in the UK to qualifying parents who did not register as British
Documentation and Leave to Remain
The Home Office's Windrush Scheme provides a route for affected individuals to obtain formal documentation of their right to live in the UK, free of charge. This includes a Biometric Residence Permit confirming their Indefinite Leave to Remain status. Our solicitors can assist with all aspects of the documentation application, ensuring that your case is presented as clearly and fully as possible.
- Windrush documentation applications
- Applications to the Windrush Scheme for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Gathering evidence of long residence in the UK
- Applications for British citizenship following Windrush documentation
Windrush Compensation Scheme
If you or a family member suffered losses as a result of the Windrush scandal — including loss of employment, inability to access healthcare, wrongful detention or removal, or other serious harm — you may be entitled to compensation through the Windrush Compensation Scheme. Our solicitors can advise on eligibility for the scheme and assist with preparing and submitting your compensation claim.
- Assessment of eligibility for compensation
- Gathering evidence of losses and harm suffered
- Preparing and submitting the compensation claim
- Challenging inadequate compensation offers
Why Choose BW Solicitors?
BW Solicitors understands the profound injustice suffered by members of the Windrush generation. We approach every Windrush case with the respect, sensitivity and determination it deserves. Our office in Ilford is at the heart of the diverse East London community that includes many Windrush generation families.