On this page you will find information about:
- Support available to those who are moving back to the UK.
- Guidance for those who are considering returning to the UK from living abroad.
- Heathrow Travel Care and the support they offer to people who have difficulties leaving and arriving in the UK.
"Repatriation" means the return of someone to their country. Returning to the UK after living overseas for any amount of time can be a big life change for anyone going through it. There are a few things to consider and sort when moving back. The guidance below shares some sources of support and things to think about, and some of examples of the support available if you are repatriating.
Accessing services from the NHS when you return to live in the UK
If you are a UK national living abroad and are returning to live in the UK, you will be able to use the NHS for your healthcare after going through the registration processes.
Guidance from Age UK on returning from living abroad
Age UK have an information guide for those who are British nationals over State Pension age who are thinking about moving back to the UK. It covers topics such as access to healthcare, benefits, support and much more.
International Pension Centre
Information on your pension and accessing benefits after living overseas
Living abroad, or having lived abroad in the past, may have an impact on your pension or eligibility for benefits. The government International Pension Centre can provide information or advice, including information on overseas state pensions and accessing benefits.
Support from Heathrow Travel Care
Heathrow Travel-Care is an independent, crisis social work team located in Heathrow Airport, London. The team assists people with difficulties arriving in and leaving the UK.
The team advises and assists distressed and vulnerable people at Heathrow with issues including:
- mental health concerns
- homelessness
- forced marriages
- deportation, and
- repatriation.
Read information on repatriation following a death abroad here on RBL website.
Referrals
Heathrow Travel-Care can take referrals before someone is due to return to the UK and meet them at the airport or offer any assistance required. In exceptional circumstances, they may also meet clients returning to other London airports.
Get in touch with Heathrow Travel-Care
Visit the Heathrow Travel-Care website to find out more or:
Telephone: +44(0) 2087 457 495
Email: [email protected]
Address: Room 00142, North Wing, Terminal 3 Arrivals, Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, TW6 1BZ
The Heathrow Travel Care team are based in Terminal 3 arrivals. They are available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, except on bank holidays.
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is a government department that lead the UK’s diplomatic, development and consular work around the world.
Heathrow Travel-Care collaboration with the FCDO
Heathrow Travel-Care Social Workers are also seconded as Specialist Advisors to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and are based at the FCDO Main Office, in King Charles Street, Westminster. They offer advice and support to British Consular Staff (in London and abroad) and are able to:
- Assist in the process of helping vulnerable people return to the UK to access services/support as soon as possible.
- Reduce preventable homelessness and health deterioration (both physical and mental), social exclusion, crime and disruption to the operation of UK airports (particularly Heathrow).
- Promote eligibility and enable access to UK support services (formal and informal).
- Build capacity, add value and increase efficiency within the Consular network.
Get in touch
Contact an embassy, high commission or consulate through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office by:
Telephone: 02070 085 000
Or seek travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development office by:
In this section
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