IMPACT OF BREXIT ON MINORITY ETHNIC AND MIGRANT PEOPLE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Published on 25 November, 2022.
The aim of this research project was to provide a high level, preliminary analysis of the actual, perceived and potential socioeconomic impacts of Brexit on minority ethnic and migrant people in Northern Ireland. The research was commissioned by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) further to its role, with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), as the Dedicated Mechanism under Article 2(1) of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol. The methodology for the project was a literature review together with new data gathering through focus groups and interviews with minority ethnic and migrant people in Northern Ireland and third sector organisations providing services to these groups. Key findings were: 1 - Life in Northern Ireland feels more difficult following Brexit, 2 - ethnic minority and migrant people do not feel they are a government priority in Northern Ireland, 3 - Experiences of racism are common in Northern Ireland and there is a perception that tackling racism is a low priority, 4 - EU Settlement Scheme is difficult to understand and navigate, 5 - Statutory services are poorly prepared for how Brexit impacts on rights and entitlements, 6 - Asylum and refugee communities have acute needs and challenges, 7 - the needs of cross-border workers are poorly met post-Brexit, 8 - workers may be at risk of exploitation