We get many questions asked on our Facebook group and although a lot of experiences are shared to help those asking questions, the posts can sometimes get lost along the way, and the same questions pop up again.
So we thought it may be helpful to try and cover some of those questions and keep them in one place for reference.
We have also added some extras that may be helpful and have not been asked as questions on the Facebook group.
Please note that although there are many websites with information, the links added under the questions are mainly from the UK Gov website and NHS website which are more accurate.
Immigration
Where can I find a good immigration solicitor?
Ana Gonzalez is a good immigration solicitor who has worked in the field for over 20 years, and has very extensive expertise in all aspects of UK Immigration.
Where can I find information about British nationality by double descent?
Information on British nationality by double descent.
Where can I find information on visiting the UK on a standard visa?
Can a South African citizen with dual nationality enter or depart the Republic of South Africa making use of the passport of another country?
What are South African Police Clearance Certificates?
I want to know about criminal record expungements
I don’t understand some of the terms used in immigration
Would I qualify for an ancestry visa?
See if you qualify for an ancestry visa
Can I claim asylum in the UK?
Watch the webinar recording with information about claiming asylum in the UK
I would like information about the skilled worker visa.
Watch the webinar about the skilled worker visa
How does the sponsorship licence work
Learn more by watching the webinar recording about the sponsorship licence
What is the global talent visa?
Watch the webinar to learn more about the global visa
I would like to know more about the adult dependant relative visa (ADR)
Watch the webinar for more information about the adult dependant relative visa
Where can I find out more about the ancestry visa?
Watch the webinar to find out more about the ancestry visa
What is double descent?
Have a look at the information about double descent
I would like information about Marriage/Unmarried partner applications
Watch the webinar to find out more about the Marriage/Unmarried partner applications
What is the EU settlement scheme?
Read the EU settlement scheme update
I would like information on the sole responsibility issue
Watch the webinar for more information on the sole responsibility issue
Where can I view the immigration webinars that I have seen posted on the Facebook group?
You can find all the webinar recordings on the webinar page
View and prove your immigration status
There are different services for you to prove your right to work to an employer and to prove your right to rent to a landlord.
Where can I find more information on immigration?
Guidance for those who qualify and are looking to emigrate from South Africa to the United Kingdom
Healthcare
Do I need to pay for healthcare as part of my application when immigrating to the UK?
How do I register with a GP?
Who do I call in a medical emergency?
Who do I call in a medical emergency?
How do I find an NHS dentist?
How much does NHS dental treatment cost?
Is there an NHS guide available for medical conditions?
Can I find support for mental health?
What is a prescription prepayment certificate?
Is there advice available for carers and people they care for?
What if someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability?
Where can I find information about pregnancy, labour and birth?
Where can I get private health cover?
If I have paid the immigration health Surcharge fee, do I still have to pay national insurance?
The answer would be yes, you would still have national insurance deducted and how much you pay depends on how much you earn, So whilst you are working you will be required to pay NI, unless you do not meet the tax threshold.
Where can I find more information on healthcare in the United Kingdom?
Further information on healthcare in the United Kingdom
Education
How do I find and compare schools?
What are the schools admission criteria?
What is school starting age in the UK?
What about school uniforms in the UK?
Are schools inspected?
I would like more information on universities and higher education
I need advice on childcare.
I need advice on Children with special needs and disabilities.
Employment
What is a national insurance number (NI)?
Information about the national insurance number (NI)
Who uses my national insurance number?
How do I apply for a national insurance number?
How can I find a lost national insurance number?
Can I check my national insurance record?
Can I start work before I have my NI Appointment?
Yes, you can start work straightaway. There is no legal requirement for you to have an NI number to work. Your employer can still pay your NI deductions but they do not need a number for you to do so.
Do I need to have a secure address when I apply for my national insurance number?
Yes, you will need an address where your NI number can be sent.
Will my employer pay me without a National Insurance Number?
Your employer can pay you without a National Insurance Number, but you will pay a higher rate of tax. Your workplace will need to process your code using an emergency tax code until you have been issued with an NI number from from HMRC. It is your responsibility to apply for an NI number.
Where can I find further information about employment in the United Kingdom
Further information about employment in the United Kingdom
Driving in the UK
How do I exchange my SA licence for a UK licence?
What are the legal obligations of drivers and riders?
What is the highway code book?
What is MOT?
How do I tax my vehicle?
Must I have insurance?
You must have motor insurance to drive your vehicle on UK roads.
Must I update my driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax and other details when I move home?
How do I contact the DVLA regarding car tax?
What does it mean to SORN a car in the UK?
Where can I find out further information about driving in the United Kingdom?
Further information about driving in the United Kingdom
Transport
How can I plan my train journey?
Use the Trainline journey planner to plan and book your next trip or check our train timetables to ensure you catch your chosen train on the day of travel. Their handy ticket alert tool can also be used to notify you when advance tickets become available, so you can plan your train travel well in advance.
How can I find a local bus service?
Where can I find information on motorways and major roads, planning and infrastructure. Regulations, safety and security. Traffic and road management. Transport and environment?
Where can I find satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panoramic views of streets, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, air and public transportation?
Google Maps is a web mapping platform and consumer application offered by Google
Where can I find further information about public transport in the United Kingdom?
Further information about public transport in the United Kingdom
Travel Reclaiming
What are my rights if I am stuck at the airport?
Flight delay compensation
Flight cancellation compensation
If you are bumped off a flight
I am looking for information on making a claim
What if I wasn’t on a UK or EU flight?
Where can I find a template for a delayed flights letter?
Holiday rights
ATOL, ABTA, cancellations & delays explained
I’ve changed my mind and don’t want to travel.
What if the holiday was awful, eg, the weather was bad, the hotel was rubbish
My luggage is delayed or lost.
Check your insurance policy
Service Providers
Where can I look for good phone contract deals?
Where can I find sim only deals?
How do I make a complaint about my network?
How can I check my signal strength?
How can I unlock my phone?
Where can I find broadband deals?
Compare broadband deals, phone line & TV to create your perfect package
Where can I find broadband service providers?
What streaming services are available?
Where can I find out further information about service providers in the United Kingdom?
Further information about service providers in the United Kingdom
Finance
What are some of the recommended banks in the UK?
What are some of the documents that I may be able to use as proof of address when opening a bank account?
What is a basic bank account?
How do I make a complaint if I have an issue with my bank?
If you have an issue with your bank, building society, loan provider or packaged bank account and feel you’ve been dealt with unfairly, then raise your issue for free with Resolver.
How can I improve my credit score?
Where can I find out more information about bank accounts in the United Kingdom?
Further information about bank accounts in the United Kingdom
How can I transfer money?
South African Expat Tax
What is tax residency?
Helpful Guidance and Information about tax residency
What is financial Emigration
Guidance and information about financial emigration
Where can I find out more information about South African expat tax?
Further information on understanding South African expat tax
Benefits
Can I get a free bus pass?
Am I eligible for free and discounted travel on our transport services?
Can I get support and help with the cost of transport?
Can I qualify for help by being registered on the Anglian water Priority Services Register?
Do I qualify to claim child benefit?
Check if you are eligible to claim child benefit
What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and do I qualify?
Can I get council housing?
Understanding how your council works
Can I arrange a collection for large items?
What types of council are there?
Where can I find information on decision making?
Where can I find information about spending and accounts?
Where can I find information on local councillors and elections?
Who do I make a complaint?
Voting
Am I able to vote?
Who can register to vote?
What are the different types of election, referendums, and who can vote?
What is the electoral register and the ‘open register’?
How do I register to vote ?
Scams
Criminals can impersonate your bank, the police, tax office, investment or software companies and other trusted organizations, and they will try to convince you to part with your money.
The three most common scams are:
- Your computer has a problem
- A fraud investigation
- An investment opportunity
Fraudster’s tactics
- Criminals can disguise their phone number to make it look like its from a bank, the tax office, the police, or anyone.
- They can call you with what looks like a genuine phone number
- They will keep your landline open by not hanging up, and even play a dialing tone over the phone.
- They can text messages requesting that you call them or click on a link, (These messages usually appear in the same place as genuine messages) and send website links which can steal your data and money when you click on them.
Phone Scams
Scam 1. A computer problem
The claim: You have a problem with your computer
Criminals may call you and claim you have problems with your computer or internet. They claim to be your computer manufacturer, telephone or internet service provider, and they will suggest that they can help you.
The scam:
They instruct you to download a programme which gives the criminal remote access to your computer, where they can then access your bank details, data and passwords.
Protect yourself:
If you receive a call like this, hang up and take the time to verify via a trusted method. Not via numbers given in the call.
Never allow anyone to remotely access your computer.
Do not download software on the request of a phone caller.
A genuine service provider will never call you out of the blue regarding issues with your computor.
If you are having issues with your computer, contact the retailer that you purchased it from.
If you are having a problem with your internet connection, contact your service provider.
Scam 2. A Fraud Investigation
The Claim: Your bank account has been compromised
Criminals may call and claim to be from your bank, the tax office or police and claim there is a problem with your bank account.
They often state there are corrupt staff at your bank, or criminals have cloned your bank cards and request your assistance with the investigation.
The Scam:
They instruct you to transfer money into a secure account, provide cash, high value goods or vouchers to a courier.
They tell you the account is in your name but in fact it belongs to the criminal, and the courier delivers your cash, cards and purchased items to the criminals.
Protect Yourself
If you receive a call like this, hang up and take the time to verify via a trusted method. Not via numbers given in the call.
Your bank, the tax office or the police will never ask you to transfer or withdraw money or buy items on their behalf.
Your bank, the tax office or the police will never attend your home to collect your cash, bank cards or ask for your pin.
Speak to friends or family if you are unsure.
Never share your PIN with anyone. Not even by tapping it onto the keypad on your phone.
Scam 3. An investment opportunity
The Claim: We have an investment opportunity
for you!
Criminals may call you to persuade you to invest in all kinds of products, including diamonds, wine or art.
The Scam:
They offer low risk and high rates of return, claiming its a once in a lifetime opportunity and you’ll have to act quickly.
If you do invest, the criminals will often request further ‘transport’ and ‘storage’ costs.
These investments do not exist.
Protect yourself:
If you receive a call like this, hang up and take the time to verify via a trusted method. Not via numbers given in the call.
Genuine investment companies will not cold call you.
Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision and seek impartial financial advice before committing to any investment.
There are no ‘get rich quick’ schemes. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
When investing with genuine companies research what you have been offered and the investment company. Speak to the Financial Conduct Authority if you have concerns. Call 0800 111 6768 or visit www.fca.org.uk
Reporting Scams
Always report scams and fraud to Action Fraud, either online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by telephone on 0300 123 2040
Contact police directly on 101 or 999 in an emergency
Forward any scam text messages to Ofcom on 7726 (free of charge)
All major phone companies provide a call blocker service. This should help screen out most of the above phone scams. Contact your telephone service provider to find out more.
Don’t assume others in your life know the information you have read here. Tell friends and family and together many can be protected.
Check if you qualify for the following
- In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age
- If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60, but only within London.
- How to apply for an older person’s bus pass
- Support to help with the cost of transport and details on what support is available and how to find out what you’re entitled to.
- Anglian water Priority Services Register, where you may qualify for help. For those with sight, hearing, or mobility difficulties, to parents with babies under 12 months old.
- Check if you qualify for the new state pension.
- Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. Check if you are eligible.
- Check if you are eligible to claim child benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help you with some of the extra costs if you have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability. Check if you are eligible.
- Information about council housing.
- You may be able to apply for sheltered housing, depending on your circumstances.
- There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. Some of the benefits you might be eligible for.
Miscellaneous helpful links
- Citizens advice is a network of independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other problems.
- Contacting the police Call 999 if you are reporting a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.
- Find out if your council collects recycling, and how to recycle household waste such as mobile phones, computers, packaging and green waste.
- Find out how to register a birth in the United Kingdom
- comparethemarket.com is a UK price comparison website, founded in 2006, that is part of the BGL Group. The website also offers other on-line companies the ability to provide their customers with a co-branded or white labelled comparison service.
- About voting in the United Kingdom
- Voting in the UK
- Find out what’s on tv with the TV guide
- Biltong and South African Foods
- Have a look at some South African Recipes
- Helpful Checklist which you may want to use when you are in the process of leaving South Africa
- If you are looking for Accommodation near Heathrow Airport
- Find Accommodation and Pet-Friendly Accommodation
