20th Century: Asian and African Migration

This section looks at role of religion in migration during the 20^th Century. In the 20th century, Britain became a destination for many people from its former Empire, offering them the British passport and the legal right to settle in the country. For many individuals in former colonies, particularly those from the Commonwealth, Britain was regarded as the ‘mother country’. These connections were reinforced by shared history, the English language, and cultural ties, which led many to believe that Britain was a tolerant society, open to diversity and new cultures.

The Commonwealth, which was established after the decolonisation of the British Empire, included many nations with large populations of Caribbean, African, and Asian descent. Many of these individuals received a British education and grew up with the belief that Britain upheld values of tolerance and acceptance. Throughout the Empire, cultural practices such as cricket in India and Pakistan, and the widespread passion for football in many African countries, helped maintain connections to Britain long after the Empire’s formal end.

Migration to Britain after World War Two

Following the end of the Second World War, a period of widespread decolonisation saw people from countries within the Commonwealth migrate to Britain. India, Pakistan, and the Caribbean were the most prominent sources of migration, with many individuals seeking better economic opportunities or a new life in a country they felt a cultural connection to.

A shared belief in Christianity may also have played a role in some migration, especially from countries like India, where most people were Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh. However, the strongest pull for many was the widespread belief that Britain was a land of tolerance with more economic opportunities. This idea had been instilled in people throughout the Empire, through education, literature, and the experience of the British in the colonies. As such, many saw Britain not only as a place of opportunity but also as a nation where they could find a degree of acceptance and tolerance not found elsewhere.

Kenyan and Ugandan Asians

During the era of the British Empire, Asian communities were brought into parts of East Africa; such as Kenya and Uganda; by the British to serve as labourers on various infrastructure projects, including the construction of railways. Over time, many of these individuals, or their descendants, settled in the region, where they became a significant part of the local economy. However, as Kenya and Uganda gained independence, tensions began to rise between the Asian communities and the African populations.

The Asian communities in these countries were often perceived as wealthier and more economically successful than the average East African, which led to growing resentment. This discrimination, combined with the political changes following independence, made life increasingly difficult for Asians in these newly independent African nations.

Despite the changing political landscape, many of the Asian residents of these countries still held onto their British passports, which they had received when they were subjects of the British Empire. By the late 1960s, many of them began to feel that their future would be more secure in Britain, where they had strong ties and where they believed they could benefit from the nation’s tolerant reputation.

The Expulsion of Asians from Uganda

One of the most significant events leading to Asian migration from East Africa was the expulsion of Asians from Uganda. In 1972, Idi Amin, the military dictator of Uganda, took a racially charged stance by ordering the expulsion of all Asians from the country. Amin’s decision was largely influenced by his perception that the Asian community was disproportionately wealthy and influential, thus making them targets for his populist policies.

This expulsion caused a significant surge in migration, with thousands of Ugandan Asians fleeing the country in search of safety and a new life. Although initially there was some debate within the British government about whether to allow these migrants to settle in Britain, the humanitarian crisis and the longstanding cultural and political ties between Uganda and Britain made it difficult to deny entry. The British government eventually relaxed the previously strict immigration policies to accommodate the Ugandan Asian refugees.

The decision to allow Ugandan Asians to settle in Britain was seen by many as a direct response to the racist policies of Idi Amin, and it reflected Britain’s commitment to the principles of tolerance and human rights. However, it also highlighted the complexities of post-empire immigration and the ongoing debates around national identity and immigration policy. While many Ugandan Asians were warmly welcomed, others faced prejudice and challenges as they settled in Britain, especially in London and other urban centres, where the migrant population increased rapidly.

Conclusion: The Role of Tolerance in Migration

The idea of Britain as a tolerant society played a central role in encouraging migration from former colonies, particularly in the Commonwealth. The British passport was seen as a symbol of security and opportunity, and for many, it represented a path to a better life in a nation where they felt they could belong. This belief in tolerance was reinforced by cultural ties, such as the widespread love for cricket and football, as well as historical and linguistic connections.

In the case of Kenyan and Ugandan Asians, the idea of Britain as a refuge from racial discrimination was instrumental in their decision to leave their homes in East Africa and migrate to Britain. The expulsion of Asians from Uganda under Idi Amin was one of the most extreme examples of anti-Asian sentiment in the 20th century and served as a catalyst for migration to Britain.

Britain’s reputation for tolerance played a crucial role in shaping migration patterns during the post-World War II era. The Commonwealth, with its shared history and beliefs, contributed to the ongoing migration of individuals seeking a better life, as well as the development of Britain into a more multicultural society.