PATIENTS NOT PASSPORTS: Migrants Access to Healthcare During the Coronavirus Crisis | June 2020 Respondents frequently highlight associated fears of being reported to, or identified by, immigration authorities as a result of accessing NHS care. One respondent describes a direct experience of being “tracked by the Home Office” after accessing NHS services. However, in most instances it is the possibility of data-sharing that delays or prevents people coming forward. The deterrent effect of data-sharing They are more afraid thinking they will be handed to police/immigration enforcers. We have one asthmatic member who refused to go to A&E because of this fear.” Clients are often unclear about their rights regarding healthcare, therefore do not register with a GP or wait till accessing hospital treatment due to fears of the hospital passing information of their status or being given huge bills for treatment.” They always fear they will be arrested if they go to A&E. They are also afraid they couldn’t afford to pay bills.” Enquiries by [the] Overseas Visitors team inevitably mean that the applicant’s address is shared with the Home Office – so, although information given to the NHS is meant to be confidential, the Home Office can track someone’s whereabouts in this way.” Women are frightened about being in contact with any authorities as they think that their details will be collected and used later to deport them. So most are managing at home. Many [are] living in very overcrowded conditions and with no independent income.” Data sharing further exacerbates the problem of incorrect application of charging policies, with respondent’s identifying that people’s entitlement to access treatment “may be undermined by fear of being reported to the Home Office”. 12