Lithuanians in the UK cornered

This problem was particularly acute during the quarantine, when the social services were closed and most of the essential elements had to be handled by telephone.

For immigrants who speak less English or who don’t speak the language at all, this has become an insurmountable challenge, and mediators who have previously offered help shake hands, not even able to help.

This period has become a kind of reminder of the importance of integration in a foreign country and of what awaits those who ignore it. The current situation is a kind of rehearsal for the future Britain, because in the future it is planned to allow only those who speak English to enter the country.

A good opportunity to get rid of it?

In fact, not only immigrants are to blame for this situation, but also Britain, which opened its borders at the beginning of the 21st century, where nobody demanded or encouraged foreigners to learn English.

The ability to perform non-ground tasks with language was evaluated.

With the formation of large minority communities, English became even less necessary: ​​compatriots helped provide the most important things and organize the most necessary things.

But now with a poor command of English, there will be a little joke. Especially for those who need financial support from the state.

Recent experience shows that the British authorities are trying to eliminate intermediaries and communicate directly with grant applicants. This problem became especially relevant after the start of quarantine, when many people began applying for a universal government loan.

This is not seen as a way out of the situation, but as a consequence of the UK Government’s consistent policy of creating an unfavorable environment for immigrants who ignore and ultimately dispose of local rules.

This threshold is like a status filter: those who don’t speak the language and the simplest British procedures in the country are undesirable.

Without a call, no way

Obtaining universal credit requires starting with a simple online form and setting up your own account, but even this simple job is too challenging for some people in the UK.

When completing the application, it is also necessary to carry out identity verification procedures, until finally, in the last stages of the process, the interview with the employee was expected; Before the quarantine, the interviews took place at special government centers.

Lithuanians with poor English proficiency in such situations asked for help from family members, translators, or financial advisers, but after the quarantine was announced, this opportunity disappeared: now the interview is conducted not in person at the center, but by phone.

This stage has become insurmountable for many foreigners.

And no benefit is paid if the procedure is not completed.

Lithuania refuses to help

Since March 16, when the UK introduced coronavir-related restrictions, the number of applicants for universal livelihood loans has increased dramatically, with nearly 2 million people applying for state aid, according to the US Department of Labor and Pensions. government.

There may be quite a few Lithuanians among them.

This is confirmed by a Lithuanian living in London, who spoke to the ANGLIJA.today portal, who previously provided mediation services in the management of state welfare, but who completed this activity some time ago.

“Even now, former clients contact me and ask for help.

People do not hide the fact that they find it difficult to do so because they do not speak English.

Sometimes I even wonder how, without knowing the language and the basics, they managed to make a fortune, “said the woman.

A Lithuanian woman, who is well acquainted with the nuances of providing social support from the UK government, says that now she would not be able to help her compatriots, even if she wanted to.

“I have to give up. First of all, because I don’t know what the state representative will ask me: I can’t speak for someone else, and especially for someone I don’t know at all.

Secondly, I don’t want to risk my future by pretending: if it turns out that I’m trying to pretend to be someone else, it may hurt, maybe negative entries to my name will be added to the government databases. However, pretending to be someone else is prohibited by law, ”the woman said.

Information – in Lithuanian

Dalia Asanavičiūtė, president of the Lithuanian community in the UK, says that the difference in English language skills between Lithuanians living in the country is felt and has become more pronounced in recent years.

“There are several people who find it easier to understand important information in their native language than in English.

It is for them that together with the volunteers we have created a special website, which explains in Lithuanian how to tackle various problems in UK state institutions, “said Dalia Asanavičiūtė.

She agrees that poor English language skills can now make life difficult for compatriots.

“I am of the opinion that living in a foreign country requires integration into the local community: respect for the culture, the laws and the language of that country.

It is very unfortunate, but not all Lithuanians in the UK manage to integrate equally well, and those who have done worse may suffer in the current situation, “said JKLB President.

After Brexit, language will be more important.

Although the UK government has yet to finally approve a new immigration model that will go into effect as soon as the country finally ties with the European Union, it is clear that English will be a key factor in deciding whether or not to admit a Foreign.

A point system is currently being developed to assess anyone wishing to live and work in the UK after Brexit.

The decision will depend on the number of points earned by the candidate.

A significant proportion of points will be awarded for your English proficiency: Under current proposals, this ability can be assessed up to 20 points, a number that greatly increases an immigrant’s chances.