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Guidance

Chagossian British citizens and the UK: information pack

Updated 30 October 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chagossian-british-citizens-and-the-uk-information-pack/british-citizens-of-chagossian-descent-arriving-in-the-uk-information-pack

Introduction

This guidance is for British citizens of Chagossian descent who are considering moving to the UK or who have recently arrived. It explains what you should consider before travelling and provides information on housing, healthcare, employment, benefits, education and other essential services.

Before moving, you should make sure that you and any accompanying family members have the appropriate citizenship or immigration permission. You should also arrange accommodation and ensure that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive.

This guidance does not apply to people who do not have permission to live or settle in the UK, including family members of British Chagossians who do not have the appropriate immigration permission.

Some information differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Where relevant, this guidance provides separate links for each nation. You can also find information about services in your area through your local council.

Part 1: Things to be aware of before moving to the UK

1. Citizenship, visa and travel requirements 

Before moving to the UK, make sure that you and each accompanying family member have the appropriate documentation. This must be one of the following:

  • British citizenship and either a British passport or a certificate of entitlement in another passport, or
  • an appropriate visa or other immigration permission allowing the person to live in the UK

Only direct descendants of someone born in the British Indian Ocean Territory, also known as the Chagos Archipelago, can apply through the Chagossian citizenship route. This may include children, grandchildren and later direct descendants. It does not include spouses, siblings, aunts, uncles or cousins.

People who are not British citizens must obtain the appropriate immigration permission before moving to the UK and should not rely on decisions being made at the border. Family members who do not have the appropriate documentation may be refused entry to the UK.

In addition, Mauritian nationals who do not already have permission to live, work or study in the UK must normally obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK as a visitor. An ETA is permission to travel, not a visa or permission to live or settle in the UK and does not guarantee entry at the border. Anyone intending to live or settle in the UK must have the appropriate immigration permission before travelling (as outlined above). Each traveller who requires an ETA needs their own, including children and babies. For more information on ETA requirements please see this guidance: Electronic travel authorisation guidance.

2. Accommodation and financial planning

 There is no specific housing offer for people moving to the UK through the Chagossian citizenship route. You will need to arrange your own accommodation before travelling.

You should not move to the UK on the assumption that social housing will be available.

There are extra rules about the support available for people who have recently moved to the UK, which requires people to demonstrate ‘habitual residence’ in the UK. While there is no fixed minimum period written into law, decisionmakers generally look for a period of 1-3 months of continuous actual residence. For further information see this guidance: Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities - Annex 1: The habitual residence test.

Even if you are eligible for housing support, demand is high and waiting lists are long. You could wait several years for a suitable property, which may not be in your preferred area.

Private rental costs and other living expenses vary considerably across the UK. Before moving, research the cost of accommodation and everyday expenses in the area where you plan to live. Make sure that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive.

3. Benefits and financial support

The UK benefits system provides financial support to people who meet the relevant eligibility requirements. Eligibility varies by benefit and depends on your circumstances. Some benefits require you to have lived in the UK for a specified period or to demonstrate that the UK is your main home.

British citizenship does not mean that you will automatically qualify for every benefit immediately after arriving. You should not make plans to move to the UK on the assumption that you will receive benefits. Make sure that you have enough money to support yourself and your family while any claim is considered and processed.

Further information about individual benefits and their eligibility requirements is provided later in this guidance.

4. Accessing healthcare – Chagossians with British citizenship

Chagossians with British citizenship are eligible to access NHS services. However, you must be lawfully and properly settled in the UK to access all NHS services free of charge. To access specialist health services, you may be required to provide evidence to your health provider that you are ordinarily resident in the UK. This evidence may come in the form of: the sale of property overseas, a rental agreement, bills, a mortgage, a job offer or proof of job in the UK.

If you live in England and are not eligible for free prescriptions, you will need to pay when you collect it from the pharmacy. The charge per item is £9.90. Access to dental and eye care will also come at a charge if you are not eligible for free treatment.

5. Accessing healthcare – non-British family members

If your family members are not British citizens (i.e. if you are travelling with your Mauritian spouse) they may not be able to access all NHS services free of charge.

Individuals who do not have British citizenship and who wish to move to the UK will need to follow existing visa rules and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, where applicable, to avoid charges.

Those granted permission to enter the UK as a visitor for 6 months or less, and those without lawful immigration status, remain directly chargeable for healthcare provided by the NHS. Migrants who are not entitled to access healthcare are charged at 150% of the cost of treatment.

For example, if an individual is pregnant, not a Chagossian with British citizenship and has not paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, they would be expected to cover the full cost of giving birth in an NHS hospital. These costs typically start at £7,500 (Rs 421,875.00).

Part 2: Living in the UK

This section provides practical information about services and support you may need after arriving in the UK.

As a British citizen living in the UK, you can live and work in the UK free of immigration controls and will be entitled to certain types of support from the British state.

6. Emergency services

Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or there is a serious emergency. The operator will ask whether you need the police, fire service or an ambulance.

Police

Call 999 to report an emergency, such as an assault or a crime in progress. Call 101 to report a non-emergency crime or seek non-urgent police assistance.

Fire

To report a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service.

Medical emergencies

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if someone has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury. You can also attend an Accident and Emergency department at a local hospital.

Children

The UK takes the safety and wellbeing of children very seriously. If you are concerned about a child, you can contact:

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • if you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the police

7. Accommodation and homelessness

If you are homeless or at risk of losing your accommodation after moving to the UK, contact your local council as soon as possible. The council can assess your circumstances and explain what assistance may be available.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include advice, emergency accommodation, help to find longer-term accommodation or support to remain in your current accommodation.

You can also access independent housing advice through organisations such as:

8. Healthcare

The service you should use depends on how urgently you need medical help. For routine healthcare, register with a GP (doctor) as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. Your GP is usually the first place to go for physical and mental health concerns, prescriptions, vaccinations, maternity care, and referrals to specialist services. Pharmacies can also provide advice and treatment for minor health conditions.

If you need medical advice or treatment that cannot wait for a GP appointment but is not an emergency, contact NHS 111. They can provide advice, arrange an interpreter if needed, and direct you to the most appropriate service, such as a doctor or an Urgent Treatment Centre.

In an emergency, if someone’s life is at risk or you do not feel able to keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 immediately. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day.

Registering with a doctor (GP)

A General Practitioner (GP) is usually your first point of contact for physical and mental health concerns. GP appointments are free through the NHS, and GPs can provide treatment, prescriptions, health advice and referrals to specialist services. We recommend that you and your family register with a GP as soon as possible after arriving in the UK.

Accessing medication

Your GP can advise where to collect prescribed medicines. You can also find local pharmacies here: Find a pharmacy.

Pharmacies can provide medicines and advice on minor health conditions. Some people, including those with certain medical conditions and eligible pregnant women or new mothers, may qualify for free prescriptions. Speak to your GP for advice.

Maternity care and services

NHS maternity services are available during pregnancy and after birth. Whether treatment is free will depend on your eligibility for free NHS hospital treatment. Contact a GP or maternity service as soon as you know that you are pregnant.

Mental health and wellbeing support

If you are experiencing mental health difficulties, support is available through your GP, NHS mental health services, NHS Talking Therapies, and local support services.

Confidential emotional support is also available through:

  • Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
  • Shout: Text 85258
  • British Red Cross (support in over 200 languages): 0808 196 3651
  • Mind (support in over 170 languages): 0300 123 3393

Nation-specific support:

Eye care

Opticians provide eye tests, glasses and contact lenses. Charges apply unless you qualify for state support. In Scotland, NHS-funded eye examinations are free for all residents.

More information available here: Opticians and sight tests.

Dentistry and dental care services

NHS dental services help keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will need to register with a local NHS dentist and charges will apply unless you qualify for state support.

Protection against infectious diseases

NHS vaccinations are free and protect children and adults against serious infectious diseases. If you or your child have missed any vaccinations, contact your GP to arrange an appointment.

Help with health costs

Some people can get help with health costs. It’s your responsibility to check whether you’re entitled to claim for free treatment or prescriptions. Find out if you’re entitled here: Help with health costs - NHS.

If you’re entitled to support, the NHS will ask for proof of your entitlement. This could be a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), benefit award notice (see section 12), or an exemption certificate. More detail is available via information page linked above.

9. Getting a National Insurance number

A National Insurance number is used to record your tax and National Insurance contributions. You can start work before receiving one if you can prove your right to work, but you should apply as soon as possible: Apply for a National Insurance number.

You can start work in the UK without an NI number if you can prove your right to work. However, you should apply as soon as possible to ensure you pay the correct tax and can access state benefits, if you are eligible for benefits.

10. Employment and tax

Jobcentres can help you find work. Find your local Jobcentre via the Jobcentre search service, or, in Northern Ireland, through Jobs and Benefits offices.

Income tax is a percentage of your earnings that is paid to the government to help fund public services. The amount you pay depends on how much you earn.

If you are employed, income tax is usually deducted automatically from your wages through Pay As You Earn (PAYE), a system where your employer collects tax on behalf of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If you are self-employed or earn income independently, you are responsible for declaring your income and paying any tax due.

More information is available from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), including the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool and the Income Tax calculator. You can also seek advice from Citizens Advice or a professional accountant.

11. Opening a bank account

To open a bank account, you will usually need proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence) and proof of address (such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill).

Ask about any account charges before opening an account. Most banks offer contactless debit cards, which are widely used for payments, including on some public transport services. You can also set up Direct Debits to pay bills automatically from your account.

Banks normally ask for proof of identity and address when you open an account. The documents accepted vary between banks, so check the requirements before applying.

Ask whether the account has any fees or charges. A bank account may also allow you to receive wages and benefits, use a debit card and pay regular bills by Direct Debit.

More information is available here: Getting a bank account - Citizens Advice.

12. Benefits and financial support

The UK has a benefits system which is designed to help those who face financial hardship, or who have specific needs. Some benefits have residence requirements, meaning you can only access them when you have been living in the UK for a set amount of time.

Here is a link to different types of benefits including eligibility requirements.

Further information for those living in Scotland: Help with benefits - mygov.scot.

Further information for those living in Northern Ireland: Guide to benefits - nidirect

13. Childcare and education

This section explains the childcare, education and training opportunities available in the UK, including support for children with SEND, further and higher education, apprenticeships, and skills development for young people and adults.

Childcare

The Best Start in Life website can help you explore your childcare options.

School-age education

Children aged 5 to 16 must be in full-time education in the UK. Children usually attend primary school from age 4 or 5 and secondary school from age 11. Young people aged 16 to 19 may also attend sixth form or further education colleges. Your local authority or council can help you find schools, understand admissions criteria and apply for places.

Further information is available here:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Most schools and colleges are expected to identify and support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Your local council can provide advice, assessments and information about available support.

In Scotland, support is known as Additional Support for Learning (ASL). This includes the needs covered by SEND in England, as well as additional circumstances such as interrupted learning, major life transitions, separation or loss. Support may be needed on a short-term or long-term basis. More information is available here: Enquire - The Scottish advice service for additional support for learning.

Further education and skills

Further education (FE) includes courses and training after secondary school that are not part of a university degree. For young people aged 14 to 19, information on courses and qualifications is available here: Courses and qualifications for 14- to 19-year-olds.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship lets you earn a salary while gaining qualifications and training. Apprenticeships typically last between 1 and 6 years, depending on the programme and your experience. To start an apprenticeship in England, you must:

  • be aged 16 or over
  • not be in full-time education
  • live in England

British citizens moving to the UK may be eligible for apprenticeship funding if they meet the relevant criteria. More information is available here:

14. Adult education

Adult education and English language learning

British citizens moving to England may also be eligible for courses to improve their English, maths and IT skills, some of which may be funded. More information is available here: Improve your English, maths and IT skills.

If you already have English language skills, information on proving your ability through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is available here: Prove your English language abilities with a SELT.

For information on funding and support in Scotland, see: Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Online language-learning tools may provide additional opportunities to practise English. These should complement, rather than replace, formal English language teaching where this is needed: Duolingo

Information on further education courses and funding for adults is available here: Further education courses and funding.

Higher education

Higher education includes courses such as diplomas, foundation degrees, bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate qualifications, usually undertaken at universities, colleges and specialist institutions. Most courses can be searched and applied for online, and you will normally need to be aged 18 or over. Information on study options and applications is available here: Study in the UK - British Council

Higher education providers set their own admissions requirements, so you should contact the institution directly if you have questions about a course. Tuition fees apply in England. British citizens moving to the UK are eligible for home fee status, meaning they do not pay international fees. Eligibility for financial support towards tuition fees may depend on meeting residence requirements.

15. Driving in the UK

You must have motor insurance to drive on UK roads. The minimum legal requirement is third-party insurance, which covers damage or injury caused to other people, vehicles, animals or property.

To apply for a provisional driving licence, you must:

  • be at least 15 years and 9 months old
  • have lived legally in the UK for at least 185 days in the previous 12 months
  • meet the required eyesight standards, including being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. More information is available here: Driving eyesight rules.

16. Safety, discrimination and domestic abuse

Discrimination is illegal in the UK. You must not be treated unfairly because of characteristics such as age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, transgender identity, pregnancy or maternity, or marriage and civil partnership. This protection applies in areas such as employment, housing, healthcare and access to services.

If you are a victim of crime

Everyone in the UK has the right to protection from crime. If you are a victim of, or witness to, a crime, contact the police by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, or reporting it online.

A hate crime is a crime motivated by hostility towards a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. Hate crime is taken very seriously, and anyone affected is encouraged to report it.

Further information and support are available here:

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is a serious crime and can include physical, emotional, psychological, controlling, coercive, sexual or economic abuse. It can affect anyone and may continue after a relationship ends. Domestic abuse can also have a significant impact on children.

If you need help or support:

17. Glossary

Accident and Emergency (A&E) – Hospital department providing urgent treatment for serious illness or injury, available 24 hours a day.

Child Benefit – A government payment for parents or guardians of children under 16, or under 20 if in approved education or training.

Citizens Advice – An independent charity offering free, confidential advice on issues such as benefits, debt, housing and legal matters.

Council Tax – A local tax paid by households to fund council services such as waste collection, schools and social care.

Debit Card – A bank card used to pay for goods and services directly from your bank account.

Direct Debit – An arrangement allowing organisations to collect agreed payments directly from your bank account.

Disability benefits – Financial support available to people with disabilities, including benefits, grants and tax credits.

Education – The UK education system includes:

  • Early Years/Nursery (under 5)
  • Primary Education (ages 4-11)
  • Secondary Education (ages 11-16)
  • Further Education (typically ages 16-19)
  • Higher Education (usually university-level study)

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - allows a person to travel to the UK as a visitor. It is not permission to live or settle in the UK and does not guarantee entry at the border.

Emergency services – Police, fire and ambulance services, contacted by calling 999 in an emergency.

General Practitioner (GP) – A local doctor who provides routine healthcare and referrals to specialist services when needed.

Homelessness – When someone has no accommodation, or cannot safely remain in their accommodation.

Jobcentre Plus – A government service that helps people find work and access benefits.

Local council – The local authority responsible for services such as housing, education, social care and waste collection.

National Health Service (NHS) – The UK’s publicly funded healthcare system, providing medical treatment free at the point of use.

National Insurance (NI) number – used to record tax and National Insurance contributions.

Pension Credit – Financial support for people over State Pension age on a low income.

Universal Credit – A benefit to help with living costs, made up of a standard allowance and any additional payments you may qualify for.

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