Rohingya people in the UK have arrived by different routes: as refugees, through family reunion, or after years in other countries. Many are stateless, which makes everyday life, from proving identity to finding work, harder than it should be. This page explains who the community is and what support exists.
Key Takeaways
- The Rohingya are a stateless people from Rakhine State (formerly Arakan), Myanmar. Read who the Rohingya are.
- In the UK, the community is spread across several towns and cities, and Bradford is one of them.
- Rohingya Association UK is a registered charity (CIO, number 1211433) run for and by the community.
- Practical help, a safe place to meet and a shared voice are what families ask for most.
Who are the Rohingya in the UK?
The Rohingya in the UK share a history of persecution and displacement. Some fled Myanmar directly. Others spent years in Bangladesh or Malaysia first. Families often arrive with little paperwork, because Myanmar does not recognise them as citizens. What the name means is itself part of that story.
What challenges do families face?
- Paperwork and status. Statelessness complicates identity documents, travel and access to services.
- Language. Rohingya is spoken at home, and English support is needed for work, school and healthcare.
- Isolation. Small, scattered communities can lack a place to meet.
- Cost of living. Families supporting relatives overseas stretch limited incomes.
What does Rohingya Association UK do?
RAUK is a community-led charity. We rent a community space where people can meet, get advice and support each other. Read about our charity and see our UK projects.
Our plan for a community centre in Bradford
We are working to buy a building in Bradford to use as a permanent community centre for Rohingya people, and we are actively seeking funding to make it happen. A building of our own would give families a lasting home for advice, English classes, events and prayer-friendly community life.
How you can help
- Give to our work through our giving pages.
- Share this page with someone who needs a community.
- Get in touch through our contact page if you want to volunteer or support the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Rohingya people in the UK?
Yes. Rohingya families live in several UK towns and cities, including Bradford.
How can a Rohingya person in the UK find support?
Contact Rohingya Association UK through our contact page. We can point you to advice and community support.
Is Rohingya Association UK a registered charity?
Yes. We are a registered CIO, charity number 1211433.