New data has revealed that almost one million NHS “free passes” were given to asylum seekers in five years. The passes, which can be applied for by anyone with little or no income, include up to £233 for glasses and unlimited dental work.
The statistics show that 920,199 HC2 certificates were issued between 2019 and 2024. This figure accounts for 59% of the total forms given out during the period, despite asylum seekers making up less than 1% of the population. The HC2 certificates also grant free prescriptions, wigs, and travel to appointments.
As reported by The Sun, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “No wonder illegal immigrants from across Europe are flocking here.”
Asylum seekers who qualify for Section 95 support, which covers housing and financial help, automatically receive an HC2 certificate. The latest figures were uncovered by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the NHS Business Services Authority, with a government spokesperson insisting most of the certificates were issued “under the previous administration”.
They said: “These certificates do not give access to NHS services ahead of people who don’t have one. The highest number of certificates issued in the last five years were under the previous administration.
“We are fixing the chaotic asylum system we inherited and have returned over 35,000 people, including failed asylum seekers, immigrants and foreign national offenders to ultimately relieve pressures on nationwide services.”
A spokesman for the NHS said: “The NHS is legally required to provide healthcare services to asylum seekers, including access to help with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.”
It comes after 898 asylum seekers on 13 boats were intercepted in the Channel on Wednesday (July 30). This took the total so far this year to 25,436 in 432 boats.
Critics have declared the situation an “emergency”, urging Sir Keir Starmer to recall Parliament to discuss the growing issue. Former minister Esther McVey told the Daily Express: “The British public’s high levels of tolerance have been pushed to breaking point and they see a political class who seem unaware of the anger and fear there is in the local community.
“This is a national emergency, and MPs should be seeking urgent solutions and action rather than taking a summer vacation, leaving the people we represent in the lurch.
“The public will not take much more of this, and MPs need to be recalled to Parliament to sort out this mess once and for all.”