Immigration is a complex and often misunderstood topic in the UK. To shed light on this critical issue, I sat down with Rob Suddrey, a Bournemouth-based immigration lawyer, consultant, and representative at ABC Above and Beyond. With over 15 years of experience in immigration law, Suddrey offers valuable insights into the challenges immigrants face, how policies shape their lives, and what we can do to build a more inclusive society.
Suddrey is a highly qualified immigration advisor, regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). He explains that in immigration law, "there are three levels of qualification, and I’ve completed all of them." With over 15 years of experience, Suddrey has been practising since 2009, primarily in Bournemouth, though he notes, "most of my clients are from outside of Bournemouth as well."
Describing his work, Suddrey shares that it involves "guidance, support, and advocacy around the concept and area of immigration law," assisting individuals and companies. From navigating complex applications to providing consultations or representing clients with immigration issues, his expertise has made a significant impact on those he helps.
For immigrants arriving in the UK, the road is far from easy. Suddrey reflects on these challenges, "You have language barriers, especially if you don’t know the language. People have to adjust to the culture and that takes time.”
One aspect often overlooked is the loneliness many immigrants experience. "If you come from a family or community-based culture, that’s very different when you come to a culture which may seem a bit more isolating and reserved."
Immigration policies profoundly affect the lives of individuals and families. Suddrey highlights a significant policy change from 2012 that introduced a financial requirement for family reunification. This financial requirement for family reunification initially demanded an income of £18,600 to bring a spouse to the UK, with additional amounts required for children. What that does is separate families, or it tells them unless you’ve got money, you really can’t live here," he explains.
Over time, these thresholds have only increased. Under the Conservative government, the requirement rose to £29,000, with plans to increase it further to £38,700. Despite Labour coming into power, Suddrey explains, "They haven’t got rid of the £29,000 requirement, and they are now looking at whether to raise it to £38,700 as intended."
Brexit has undeniably reshaped immigration and society as a whole. "Brexit impacted a lot of people on a massive scale," Suddrey reflects. "We had free movement and free trade. What we haven’t seen is the full impact, not just of Brexit itself, but of how it was delivered and what was communicated to the people."
The way Brexit was handled raises important questions. "How did we communicate Brexit?" Suddrey asks. "Whether we voted to remain or to come out, how has that affected our relationships with Europe? And if it’s negative, how has that also impacted us?"
He points out that the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns masked the immediate consequences of Brexit. "I think what happened around Brexit is we had COVID, and the way lockdown happened, it almost covered over the impact of Brexit. And I think as that cover’s been removed, we will see as the years go by what the impact is."
Public perception of immigration can be deeply influenced by politics and media. Suddrey observes, "Sometimes public opinion is for immigration, sometimes it’s against it, and sometimes it doesn’t even understand it… You could take a genuine negative immigration situation and then with that, take a paintbrush and paint all immigration with that one viewpoint."
He points to a growing fear of limited resources in the UK, which drives negative attitudes. "The difficulty is, who is answering those questions, and is that information true, false, or fear-based?"
Improving the immigration system doesn’t require an overhaul but a focus on efficiency and transparency. Suddrey emphasises the need to streamline processes, asking, "If someone’s putting their application in, why do they need to wait months? Why do we have to leave them in that state of confusion?" He believes delays and a lack of clarity leave applicants in unnecessary limbo, which can create undue stress.
He also highlights the importance of addressing misinformation. "It would be great to get information out there to the general public… like the fact that people on visas have to pay a separate fee for the NHS," Suddrey explains. He notes that many people are unaware of this, leading to false perceptions about immigrants burdening the system. "Everyone just thinks they’re taking, but actually, no—they’re paying into the system."
Beyond improving processes, Suddrey stresses the need for societal reflection on how immigration is perceived. "Do we celebrate our differences, or do we put barriers up because of them?" he asks. Misconceptions often stem from fear or misinformation, which shape beliefs and, in turn, behaviours. "What you believe gives birth to behaviour," Suddrey says.
He advocates for evaluating belief systems and the sources of information that influence them. "It’s about looking at the information we allow into our minds and souls," he explains. "If we can address that, then our behaviour will change accordingly with the knowledge and experiences we gain." This shift, he suggests, is essential for fostering understanding and reducing barriers.
Suddrey reflects on the incredible resilience he has witnessed in immigrants who, despite immense challenges, have shown incredible perseverance and determination. "I’ve seen people leave their families, their homes, coming to the UK, sometimes young or broken," he shares. Overcoming language barriers and often facing significant personal difficulties, he’s met individuals who couldn't read or write in their language, let alone in English, yet they’ve started multiple businesses. "They’re great at taking something from nothing and making something out of that,” he explains. "It’s inspiring, here’s someone who couldn’t read and write they’re great at starting businesses."
These stories of resilience go beyond business success. Suddrey emphasises the emotional journey that many immigrants face, noting the immense challenges they overcome. "People go through a really difficult time, but the part of fleeing is also a very difficult journey," he explains. Upon arrival, many immigrants face the feeling of being outsiders, “Am I the alien here?” or “Am I facing hostility?” These emotions often accompany the struggle to adjust to a new life. Suddrey’s words highlight the mental and emotional toll that comes with seeking refuge and rebuilding in a new country.
Drawing from his own experience, Suddrey recalls a trip to Iraq in 2017 during the ISIS crisis. He travelled to northern Iraq to meet refugees who had lost everything. “To lose a loved one in any situation is bad, but to have a person’s life just killed and taken from them is very difficult," he reflects.
Ultimately, Suddrey believes that the journey to understanding and compassion starts with listening. "Everyone’s got a story, so sitting down and asking someone, 'What’s your story?' That’s probably a good place to start," he explains. By simply opening a conversation, we can better understand the experiences of those around us.
For updates on my project and more interviews, follow me on Instagram: @immigrationrealities
Find out more about Rob Suddery and his work with ABC Above and Beyond here: https://abcabove.com
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