Timeline

This timeline outlines some of the events around the world that have caused refugees to come to Britain since 1881. It also presents key points from legislation relating to asylum and refugees during this time.

The complexity of world history in the 20th century means that this timeline has to be selective. It can not cover all refugee movements to Britain. It does not include events that mainly caused refugee movements internally within countries or to neighbouring countries. It also does not cover the forced migration of people due to natural disasters.

This is a subject matter where information can be hard to find and where much is contested.

1881-1909

Jewish: Between 1881-1914, more than 150,000 Jews from east Europe settled in Britain, escaping poverty, discrimination and persecution. Repeated waves of pogroms (riots or massacres) against Jews in the Russian Empire from 1881 caused many to flee.

1905 ALIENS ACT: ‘Undesirable immigrants’, particularly those with no means of supporting themselves, could be refused entry to Britain. However exceptions were made for people fleeing persecution on religious or political grounds.

1910-1919

Belgium: In 1914-5, 250,000 Belgian refugees arrived in Britain escaping the fighting of the First World War. The government offered ‘the hospitality of the British nation’ and provided financial support. By 1921 less than 10,000 remained in Britain, most having returned home.

1914 ALIENS RESTRICTION ACT: Wartime restrictions were placed on ‘aliens’ (people from other countries), who could be refused entry or deported, and had limits placed on where they could live. However refugees were still allowed to enter.

1919 ALIENS ACT: The First World War over, the provisions of the 1914 Act were continued and expanded. No allowances were made for the entry of refugees.

1920-1929

Russia: The Russian Revolution in 1917 was followed by civil war and the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922. 15,000 Russian émigrés came to Britain between 1918-31.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES: In 1921 the League of Nations set up a High Commission for Refugees, the first international agency for refugees. Its ‘Nansen passport’ gave refugees internationally recognised identity cards, enabling them to start afresh in other countries.

1930-1939

Basque: During the Spanish Civil War, Britain accepted 3,889 Basque children evacuated from the war zone. The government agreed providing there was no cost to the state and their stay was temporary.

Jewish: Between 1933-9, 55,000 European Jews fleeing Nazi regimes arrived in Britain, the majority in 1938-9. To enter they needed to have a job or a sponsor in Britain. Between December 1938 and September 1939, 9,354 children were rescued through an organised scheme called the ‘Kindertransports’.

1940-1949

Jewish: At the end of the Second World War in 1945, Britain agreed to the temporary entry of up to 1,000 child survivors of the concentration camps. 732 children came to Britain under this scheme, which was funded by Jewish organisations.

Poland: 135,000 displaced Poles, many of whom had fought alongside Britain during the Second World War, settled in Britain rather than return to Poland under a new Soviet-controlled government. A Polish Resettlement Corps was set up by the British government to help them settle.

1948 UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: The Declaration laid out the fundamental rights of all human beings, including the right to asylum. By signing, United Nations member states committed themselves to upholding these rights.

‘Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.’ (Article 14.1, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948)

1950-1959

Hungary: In 1956 Soviet troops invaded Hungary following an uprising against the communist authorities. 21,000 Hungarians came to Britain, 14,000 of whom settled permanently.

1951 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION RELATING TO THE STATUS OF REFUGEES: The Convention set out standards for the treatment of refugees. Governments who signed it agreed not to return refugees to places where they would be in danger. It applied mainly to people who were refugees because of events in Europe before 1951. However it was later extended by a 1967 Protocol, to cover people anywhere in the world at any time.

A refugee is a person with ‘a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion’. (UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1951)

1960-1969

Czechoslovakia: Soviet troops invaded and occupied Czechoslovakia in 1968. This followed a period during which the policies of the communist government had become more liberal. Many people fled the country, with 5,000 settling in Britain.

Kenya: The growing persecution of Asian people in Kenya led an increasing number to flee to Britain. Quotas for the number of East African Asians who could enter Britain were introduced by the 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Act.

1970-1979

Uganda: In 1971 General Idi Amin came to power in a military coup (takeover of government). Brutal ethnic persecution, especially of Acholi and Langi people, forced many to flee. Professionals and members of the business community also fled. In 1972 Idi Amin expelled all Asians from Uganda. Many held British passports and 28,608 came to Britain. The Ugandan Resettlement Board provided support and dispersed them to different parts of the country.

Latin America: Military dictatorships were established in many Latin American countries in the 1970s, including Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Bolivia. In these countries political opponents were systematically targeted: there were human rights abuses, tens of thousands of people were ‘disappeared’ or murdered, and hundreds of thousands imprisoned.

Many of the 3,000 Chilean political exiles who came to Britain between 1973-9 were helped by schemes organised by the labour movement and the World University Service.

Cyprus: In 1974, 24,000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots came to Britain following the division of the island between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the latter recognised only by Turkey. This led to the displacement of many people and ongoing tensions.

Kurdish: In 1974-5 a Kurdish uprising against the Iraqi government was repressed, with the government destroying villages and forcibly moving Kurds to barren land in the south. This resulted in people fleeing into neighbouring countries and eventually Europe and Britain.

[The Kurdish people do not have an officially recognised country. They live in a geographical and cultural region referred to as Kurdistan, which includes parts of four countries - east and south eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, western Iran and northern Syria. One estimate is that there are 200-250,000 Kurdish people in Britain. However no official figures exist because Kurdish refugees and immigrants are classified according to their country of origin rather than their ethnicity.]

Vietnam: In 1975 the Vietnam War ended when South Vietnam fell to North Vietnam. The country was reunified under communism and members of the South Vietnamese élite fled. From late 1976 ethnic Chinese people in the north began to flee persecution. In 1979 Britain accepted 10,000 people from refugee camps in south-east Asia.

China: In 1979 the Chinese government introduced the Planned Birth policy to address overpopulation. Families in urban areas were not permitted to have more than one child. Many women fled forced abortion and sterilisation, some coming to Britain.

Eritrea: In 1961 the Eritrean Liberation Front was founded to fight for independence from Ethiopia. The war between Ethiopia and the Eritrean liberation movement intensified in the 1970s and continued through the 1980s, forcing many people to flee.

Ethiopia: In 1974 Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown by a military junta (group) called the Derg, which established a one-party socialist state. Between 1977-9 the Derg arrested, tortured and killed tens of thousands of its opponents in what was known as the ‘Red Terror’. Many people fled.

Afghanistan: In 1979 the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to support a communist government facing considerable opposition. This led to the first group of Afghan refugees coming to Britain.

1971 IMMIGRATION ACT: The power to detain (hold) asylum seekers in detention centres or prisons was introduced for the first time.

1980-1989

Vietnam: Between 1975-92, nearly 28,000 refugees from Vietnam settled in Britain. They were housed in reception centres run by voluntary organisations before being dispersed to different parts of the country.

Turkey: In 1980 there was a military coup in Turkey. Supporters of the previous government and members of the leftist movement, from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, fled.

Tamil: Following anti-Tamil riots in Sri Lanka in 1983, ethnic tensions grew into civil war between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (‘Tamil Tigers’), who were calling for an independent Tamil state. The number of Tamil people seeking asylum in Britain sharply increased from 1983.

[Tamils form 18% of the population of Sri Lanka, where they live mainly in the north and east of the country. They are a long standing minority in the country, whose numbers were increased in the 19th century when the British brought Tamils from southern India to work on the plantations of the then British colony of Ceylon. After Ceylon gained independence in 1949, Tamils suffered ongoing discrimination.]

Ghana: In 1981 a military coup (takeover of government) brought Jerry Rawlings to power. Between 1981-92 all political parties and political opposition were forbidden and there were human rights violations. The number of people from Ghana seeking asylum in Britain increased.

Uganda: The 1980s saw a series of coups and counter coups, ongoing human rights violations, and guerrilla fighting in the north between the Lord’s Resistance Army and government troops. The number of people from Uganda seeking asylum in Britain increased from the late 1980s.

Somalia: From the late 1980s violent civil war and severe political instability forced many people to flee. Since then Somalia has remained among the top ten countries of origin of people seeking asylum in Britain.

Iran: In the late 1960s and 1970s opposition against the Shah (the head of the Royal Family) was crushed by his secret police and opponents were forced into exile. In 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini came to power in the Islamic Revolution and installed Islamic law. There was widespread political oppression, persecution of Kurdish and Baha’i minorities, and strict restrictions placed upon women. Since the late 1970s the number of people from Iran seeking asylum in Britain has remained high.

Iraq: In 1979 Saddam Hussein rose to power. Between 1980-8 Iraq was at war with Iran. Political repression was widespread and political opponents began to flee.

Afghanistan: The Mujahideen (a loose alignment of anti-government groups, supported by the US and China among others) fought against the Soviet occupation. Soviet troops withdrew in 1988-9 and the government later collapsed. Civil war broke out between factions within the Mujahideen, causing new Afghan refugees.

Kurdish: In 1988 Saddam Hussein launched the Anfal campaign in the northern Kurdish region of Iraq. This included mass executions and disappearances and the devastating use of chemical weapons against thousands of towns and villages in the region, as well as the town of Halabja.

Kurdish: Following the 1980 military coup, there was increased repression of Kurdish political and cultural identity in Turkey. Between 1986-95 conflict in south eastern Turkey between Turkish government forces and the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, fighting for cultural and political rights for Kurdish people), saw thousands of Kurdish people killed and widespread human rights abuses. A large numbers of Kurds fled to Britain in the late 1980s.

China: In 1989 a pro-democracy protest in Tiananmen Square was suppressed and an unknown number of unarmed protesters were killed by government troops. People from the pro-democracy movement have continued to flee.

Colombia: In the 1980s a 40-year old conflict intensified, involving left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, drug cartels and the state. Colombians seeking asylum began arriving in Britain.

VISAS: Visa requirements were introduced for Sri Lankans in 1985, Ghanaians in 1986, Turkish citizens in 1989, Ugandans in 1990, Bosnians in 1992, and Sierra Leoneans in 1994, among others. Applying for a visa to travel to Britain can be dangerous for people facing or experiencing persecution in their countries of origin. These requirements made it more difficult for them to come to Britain to seek asylum.

1987 IMMIGRATION (CARRIERS' LIABILITY) ACT: Transport companies had to pay fines for carrying people without the correct passports and visas.

1990-1999

Uganda: The early 1990s saw increased violence and human rights abuses in eastern and northern parts of Uganda. Between 1990-2 large numbers of Acholis, Langis and Itesots fled to Britain.

Iraq: After the 1991 Gulf War, people in the Shi’ite dominated south and Kurds in the north rebelled against Saddam Hussein. The rebellions were brutally suppressed, with mass executions, bombardments and thousands of civilian deaths. Huge numbers of people fled.

Tamil: Tamils continued to flee Sri Lanka as fighting continued between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (‘Tamil Tigers’).

Algeria: In 1992 elections were cancelled, the Islamic Salvation Front, which had made political gains, was outlawed and thousands of Islamist supporters were detained. Certain Islamist armed groups began assassinating intellectuals and professionals. By 1994 parts of the country were under the control of the armed groups. Violence grew in 1997 and hundreds of people were massacred, with conflict continuing until the end of the decade. Since 1990 thousands of Algerians have fled to Britain.

Ethiopia: In 1991 the Derg regime was toppled and a new government was formed by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front. The government persecuted people it considered a threat, forcing many people to flee.

Eritrea: In 1991 the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front captured the Eritrean capital Asmara and formed a provisional government. In 1993 an overwhelming majority voted for Eritrean independence from Ethiopia.

Ethiopia and Eritrea: In 1998-2000 Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a border war. Ethiopia expelled Eritreans and people of Eritrean origin. Many people in mixed marriages or of mixed descent found themselves unwelcome and persecuted in both countries.

Sierra Leone: In the 1990s Sierra Leone suffered a devastating ten-year civil war, with human rights abuses continuing throughout the decade. This forced large numbers to flee. The number of people from Sierra Leone seeking asylum in Britain increased sharply from 1993.

Angola: Conflict dating back to the 1960s continued during the 1990s, despite occasional ceasefires that did not last. People from Angola continued to seek asylum in Britain, with peaks in 1990-1 and again in 2001-2.

Bosnia: The collapse of communist Yugoslavia in 1992 created civil breakdown, ethnic conflict, military occupation and ‘ethnic cleansing’. As well as refugees coming to Britain as individuals, between 1992-6 over 3,000 Bosnians came as part of a programme organised by the British government.

Kenya: A return to multiparty politics in the 1990s was accompanied by power struggles and ethnic divisions which led to violence in parts of the country, forcing people to flee. The number of people from Kenya seeking asylum in Britain sharply increased in 1994-6, with people continuing to come in smaller numbers since then.

Democratic Republic of Congo ( Zaire between 1971-97): Joseph Mobutu, who had been in power since a military coup (takeover) in 1965, continued his harsh repression of political opponents into the 1990s. In 1997 the government was overthrown and the following year civil war broke out. The number of people from the country seeking asylum in Britain sharply increased from 1989.

Afghanistan: The Taliban rose to power in 1996, out of the civil war. Many people fled the oppressive and violent regime of the Taliban, with the number of Afghans seeking asylum in Britain greatly increasing after 1997.

Roma: Discrimination and institutionalised racism in Poland, the Czech Republic and other Central and Eastern European states, particularly after the collapse of communism, forced many Roma to flee.

[The Roma are an ethnic minority in many European countries. They are often referred to as Gypsies. They are thought to have originated in India and in the past many were nomadic. In modern times few are able to maintain this lifestyle and there are now settled Roma populations throughout Europe, Asia and America. There are an estimated 11,000 Roma living in Britain, most in London.]

Somalia: Ongoing violence and lack of security in the south and east of the country continued to create new refugees. Although increased stability in the north has led to a slight decline in numbers, Somalis continue to be among the biggest groups of people claiming asylum in Britain and are one of the largest refugee communities here.

Nigeria: After a period of political instability General Abacha came to power in a military coup (takeover). He banned all political institutions and trade unions and was responsible for human rights violations, forcing people to flee.

Colombia: In the 1990s the number of Colombians fleeing to Britain rose sharply, corresponding with increased paramilitary and guerrilla violence. An estimated 50,000 Colombians live in London.

Sudan: In 1989 a military coup (takeover) brought Omar al Bashir to power and the human rights situation deteriorated. At the same time factions in the south begin fighting each other, a conflict that continued throughout the decade. This forced 6,000 people to flee to the UK.

Kosovo: In 1999 conflict broke out in Kosovo. Refugees, mostly ethnic Albanians, fled Serb armed forces.

China: In 1999 the religious group Falun Gong was outlawed, forcing members to flee.

1990 DUBLIN CONVENTION: European Union countries could deport asylum seekers who had travelled via another 'safe' EU country back to that country.

1993 ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION (APPEALS) ACT: The first major piece of asylum legislation, the 1993 Act made Britain’s obligations under the 1951 UN Convention into law. Unsuccessful asylum seekers had the right to appeal negative decisions, although there were strict time limits. All asylum seekers had to be fingerprinted, they could be detained, and rights to council housing were restricted.

1996 ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION ACT: Asylum procedures were tightened. Access to benefits was denied to people who did not apply for asylum at their port of entry or who were refused asylum, even if they wanted to appeal; this was later successfully challenged in court. Access to housing was further restricted and employers could be fined for employing people who were not eligible to work.

1999 IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM ACT: The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) was set up as an alternative benefits and housing system for asylum seekers. Originally it supported asylum seekers through vouchers which could be exchanged in some shops. This was later replaced by cash worth 70% of income support. NASS was also given responsibility for dispersing asylum seekers around the country.

2000-2006

Eritrea: Eritrea is now a one-party state, tolerating no political opposition. Eritreans continue to flee political oppression and human rights abuses by the government.

Ethiopia: The government claimed victory in the 2005 election, although the victory was disputed by opposition parties. The government responded to protests with violence, in which protestors died. Some senior opposition figures and journalists were charged with treason.

Tamil: A ceasefire was agreed in 2002 but there has since been a return to fighting, meaning that Tamil refugees continue to leave Sri Lanka.

Nigeria: The institution of Sha’ria law in some northern states saw the renewal of ethnic and religious tensions and led to violence causing many to flee.

Iraq: In 2003 the US led an invasion and occupation of Iraq. In 2004 a new Iraqi government was established. Since then there has been bitter ongoing conflict.

Iran: Political oppression and the repression of ethnic and religious minorities and women still continues. Over 700,000 Iranians live in exile around the world.

Sudan: In 2004 a peace agreement was signed in the south. Fighting had broken out between rebels and government forces in Northern Darfur in 1993, forcing more refugees to flee. In May 2006 a peace agreement was signed between the government and one of the rebel factions but despite this fighting continues.

Zimbabwe: Opposition to the ruling Zanu PF party is met with harsh reprisals and there is no freedom of the press. Since 2000 the number of Zimbabweans seeking asylum in the UK has been rising and in the first quarter of 2006 Zimbabweans were the largest group to seek asylum.

Democratic Republic of Congo: The civil war continues, an estimated 4.7 million people have died and there have been widespread human rights violations. In July 2006 the first multi-party elections were held in the country for four decades.

According to Home Office statistics, in the first half of 2006, 11,945 people applied for asylum in Britain. The top ten countries from which asylum applicants came were: Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Iran, China, Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Sudan.
 
2002 END OF RIGHT TO WORK: The right of asylum seekers to work was removed. Previously they had been able to apply for permission to work after they had been in Britain for six months.

2002 THE NATIONALITY, IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM ACT: The 2002 Act focused on the control and removal of people whose claims were unsuccessful. Wider powers of detention were introduced. Financial support and housing could be removed from people who did not apply for asylum immediately on arrival in Britain. English language and citizenship tests were introduced for people applying for British nationality.

2004 ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION (TREATMENT OF CLAIMANTS, ETC.) ACT: Changes were made to the appeals process and the support of asylum seekers. It was made a criminal offence to arrive in Britain without valid travel documents. Immigration officers were given wider powers in relation to non-immigration-related offences.

2005 LEAVE TO REMAIN: Since August 2005, refugees are no longer given indefinite (ie permanent) leave to remain when their claims are accepted. Instead they are only given permission to stay for five years, a decision which can be reversed at any time. After five years they can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

This timeline was compiled by the Museum of London and the Evelyn Oldfield Unit in August 2006. Copyright: Museum of London / Evelyn Oldfield Unit.