Nearly half of children in UK with migrant parents live in poverty, new research by IPPR finds

A new report published last week by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reveals that 46% of children in the UK with at least one parent born outside the country are living in poverty.

The 38-page report, Hidden hardships: The immigration system and child poverty, can be downloaded here. Research for the report was supported by Praxis, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU), Project 17, and Support Action Women's Network.

The report exposes deep-rooted barriers in the immigration system that trap many migrant families in financial hardship, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Government’s forthcoming strategy to tackle child poverty.

According to IPPR, an estimated 1.5 million children in the UK—over one-third of all children in poverty—live in households where one or both parents were born abroad. These children are more than twice as likely as others to experience very deep poverty, meaning their family income falls below 40% of the median income. The report examines the specific challenges these children encounter and the lasting effects of immigration policies on their lives. It details how poverty in these families results in deprivation, restricting access to nutritious food, school trips, and stable housing.

Several key factors are identified that exacerbate poverty among migrant families. One major factor is the 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF) condition, which bars many migrants from accessing benefits such as Universal Credit, child benefit, and social housing assistance. High visa fees and legal barriers further deepen financial struggles for these families.

IPPR noted: "The UK immigration system is inherently complex, shaped by ever-changing laws, multiple pathways to settlement, and stringent rules that often place migrant families in prolonged legal limbo. During these often lengthy processes, parents must navigate costly solicitors' fees and meet many requirements to maintain or attain their status. Our research found that these burdens, together with restrictions such as NRPF, can push already low-income families into precarious financial positions, forcing them to sacrifice essential needs for their children to keep up with other demands."

On immigration fees, the report notes: "Many immigration pathways come with extremely high fees and the immigration health surcharge (IHS). These are compounded by the requirement for repeated visa applications over a long period – notably, on the 10-year route to settlement. The fees can total tens of thousands of pounds, pushing families with limited incomes into severe debt."

IPPR researchers spoke to affected families, highlighting their struggles. One father on the 10-year route to settlement is quoted as saying: "There is always tension in the house. When we borrow the money for the visa renewal, we have to eventually give the money back, which causes tension, even among the children. We can't look after them properly because we always have to repay our debts. We can't spend the money on our children when they ask us for things."

While Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 requires local authorities to protect and support all children in need, regardless of their immigration status, its implementation remains inconsistent across the UK. Many migrant families struggle to access this support due to limited local government funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of clear guidance. In some cases, local authorities actively restrict access through systemic gatekeeping, particularly for families affected by NRPF. Additionally, the fear of immigration-related repercussions discourages many from seeking help, leaving vulnerable children without essential aid.

With the Government expected to soon publish a child poverty strategy, IPPR warns that any plan to tackle child poverty will fail unless it directly addresses these immigration-related issues. The think tank is urging the Government to:

• Remove the NRPF condition for families on a five-year settlement route.
• Ensure local councils consistently implement support for migrant families facing destitution.
• Expand childcare provision for working parents with NRPF status to help them secure employment and improve children's development.

IPPR research fellow Amreen Qureshi said: "The upcoming child poverty strategy is a crucial moment for the government to address some of the causes of poverty that lie within our migration system. If they get this right, not only will it enable them to make strides in their efforts to bring down child poverty, they could also help remove some of the huge financial pressures on cash strapped local councils."