The UK is a prominent destination for immigration. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as of the year ending in March 2021, there was an estimated 715,000 people who immigrated to the UK. The major destinations from which these migrations occur vary each year. However prominent destinations include EU member countries such as Romania and Poland and non-EU countries like India, China, and the United States. The reason for these immigration ranges from high quality of living to family reunifications.
Recent data shows that such immigration hasn’t reduced momentum. In the context of this increasing influx of immigrants best international moving companies UK suggest that it is essential to educate these migrants with a guide to proper settling down. The following sections are intended to serve this purpose.
Healthcare
The public health system in the UK known as the National Health System (NHS) is free of charge for residents. It is a system that derives funds from taxation rather than health insurance. To avail of this system it is essential to register with a GP (General Practitioner). Even though you can choose any GP some may reject a request in case if the applicant is from outside their locality or if the available slots are all booked. A GP will be the first point of contact in case of any illness. If required they may refer the patients to the public hospitals.
Even though there is considerable waiting time in such consultations NHS is the most sought-after healthcare facility in the UK. This is also the option suggested by most international relocation companies UK for their clientele.
In case a patient would like to find a way around waiting time there are a few private healthcare systems in the UK. However, insurance is a requisite to avoid considerable spending on healthcare. Even with insurance patients may have to give a proportion of the expenses. See if your employer covers any healthcare expenses that will be helpful to reduce spending.
Education
Fortunately, there are a couple of options to choose from. The state-run schools are free of charge and are available to families moving into the UK with a visa with a minimum 6-month validity. The schools admit children from 3 to 18 age group into the three main groups in the UK education system. Even though there is an opportunity to apply at any school they give priority to students belonging to their ‘catchment area’.
The second options are the independent schools funded by fees paid by parents. If individual attention is what your child needs most moving companies in the UK recommend this option.
The international schools and foreign schools that cater to an international community are the next set of choices to choose from.
Finance
Best international moving companies in UK often emphasize two important documents that are required to create a bank account in the country. Those are proof of ID and proof of address. Passport or identity cards are accepted for the former. In the case of the latter banks may ask for a tenancy agreement or a utility bill. Thus there is a way to manage the finances.
TransportationPublic transportation in UK is an extensive system of buses, trains, trams and the London Underground also known as tube. The rail network is also reliable with intercity as well as regional services. High-speed trains are designed to connect between cities in no time.
Here we discussed a few essentials that will be helpful to navigate the UK while settling down. It is always recommended to consult with the best international moving company in UK to have an elaborate picture of these and other essentials. Helpxpat can help you since we possess the required knowledge to effectively navigate life in the UK.