Migrants often face many obstacles when trying to get involved in civic, political, and public life. These barriers can be personal, like language or confidence, or wider social issues, like unfair systems.

In the UK, strict immigration policies, negative stories about migrants in the media, and experiences of racism or unfair treatment can make things worse.

These factors can lead to a lack of trust in government or public services, which makes it harder for many migrants to feel safe or welcome to speak up about issues that matter to them or take part in decision-making.

Here is a summary of some of the key barriers to migrant participation:

Legal and eligibility restrictions

• Limited voting rights: Many migrants, for example, those on visas, are not eligible to vote in national or local elections.
• Restrictions on public sector jobs: Some public sector roles require British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain.
• Lack of clarity about rights: Migrants are often unaware of what they are allowed to do when it comes to participation.

Language and communication challenges

• Limited English fluency can make it hard to understand public information, fill out forms, or engage in discussions.
• Complex terminology in political or civic materials may be confusing even for fluent speakers.

Lack of knowledge or information

• Migrants may have little knowledge of how UK systems work; for example, political structure, how to volunteer, or how to contribute to public consultations.
• There may be low awareness of participation opportunities in the local area where migrants live and how to access them.

Discrimination and lack of visibility

• Experiences of xenophobia or racism may discourage migrants from getting involved.
• Lack of representation and role models can make migrants feel unwelcome or that their voices don’t matter.

Economic and social barriers

• Low income or precarious employment can limit time and resources for civic engagement.
• Lack of childcare, transport, or digital access can also prevent participation in meetings or events.

Psychological and cultural barriers

• Distrust of public authorities, particularly among individuals who have experienced political instability or authoritarian regime in their country of origin.
• Cultural norms may discourage public engagement, particularly for women or young people.
• Low confidence or self-esteem, especially among newly arrived or isolated individuals.

Structural and institutional barriers

• Public consultations or political processes may not be inclusive or tailored to diverse communities.
• Lack of outreach or culturally sensitive communication from public institutions.
• Limited support for migrant participation and inclusion in decision-making.

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