Commonwealth citizens now living in Wolverhampton who have served with the UK’s Armed Forces are being urged to seek support if they need to prove their right to live and work in the UK.

Research has found that a significant number of older Commonwealth veterans are unaware of potential support available to them through the Windrush Scheme if they are settled in the UK but lack the necessary documentation.

Application to the scheme is free of charge, and eligible Commonwealth veterans may also be entitled to a free citizenship application if they settled in the UK before 1973, or are the children of people who did. In addition, veterans may be able to access compensation related to unemployment, housing difficulties and limited access to healthcare incurred due to their inability to demonstrate their right to reside in the UK.

Councillor Greg Brackenridge, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Armed Forces Champion and chair of the city’s Armed Forces Covenant Board, said: "Contrary to popular belief, the Windrush scheme extends its support to Commonwealth citizens beyond the Caribbean. 

“I am personally aware of numerous Commonwealth veterans who have served our country with distinction, and I am keen to raise awareness that they may be eligible to apply for residency, work, and compensation."

For more information on eligibility and application procedures, please visit The Windrush Scheme.