Review the impact of removing English classes for migrants

I came from Pakistan in 2007. I was a journalist. I had worked in the Punjab TV channel as a bureau chief from my city. I was a Vice President from my city and a President in my union council which belongs to the largest political party in Pakistan. I helped a lot of people as a volunteer social worker.

I had some problems as a journalist and political issues, so then I decided to come to this country because I heard there are human rights here; and the government look after the basic rights of the people and they treat people in general with respect as well as other communities. So I chose this country as an asylum seeker. After that I got a married to a British citizen but the home office gave me a hard time to get status here. Many times my visa applications were refused. At last the court gave me a decision in my favour and I got three years discretionary leave to remain based on the human rights act and I am allowed to get any kind of benefits as a UK resident.

However I confirmed this with my solicitor and she said yes you are able to get benefits but if u will take these benefits they will create problems for your indefinite visa and nationality. This means I am unable to get benefits and my wife is on disability benefit and income support. I applied for many jobs but there were no vacancies anywhere. So I am studying ESOL for free because it benefits me as I want to improve my English so that I can get a good job and build a strong positive future within the society.

In my situation I have to examine the disadvantages that I will face if I do not have access to ESOL classes. Firstly I am not permitted to apply for benefits, and I need ESOL to be free for me as I cannot afford the hefty fees in order to continue to learn English. So if the government abolish this type of course then where do we stand as new immigrants in order to succeed in this fast paced country which requires English everywhere for all types of working environments. If I do not have ESOL I can not improve my predicament. Thousands of people are in the same situation.

If the government will abolish this course the out come will inevitably be that people can not take part properly in the UK society. A lot of people will go on jobseeker allowance .A lot of people will not be able to use their own skills and abilities. Some people will go to dependents. A lot of communities can not interact with each other and they will not be able to share other professions. It is possible that depression or stress will be increased. Thousands of teachers will lose their jobs. This means that all the points I raised will be a burden on the UK economy, the NHS and the tax payers.

However in my opinion the government should review this decision because it is a basic right of the people. Actually English is an international language. It is especially important for those people who have been living here. It is a requirement for different kinds of communities. If people are given these facilities free then they can take part in every kind of activities in the UK. This will give people a chance to show their own skills and abilities. They can get a job easily. If they will get a job, they will be future tax payers and the end result would be that they will be a positive influence on the UK society.

M.I.Sheikh
student ncn(clarendon)