Samenvatting

Issues of race and discrimination towards the ethnic minorities have always existed in the United Kingdom. With the initiation of the EU referendum and Brexit, these issues have increased. Following the referendum, the media published news of hate crimes against Indian and Pakistani citizens. During Brexit, there were concerns on what would happen and whom it would impact. Research shows that Black, Asian and Ethnic minorities have a more sensitive place in society than White British therefore, they would experience the most effects. With a South Asian background, the researcher focussed on the South Asian minorities in Leicester, United Kingdom.

It is necessary to understand what the justifications for Leicester are. In 1947, the commonwealth countries India, Pakistan and Bangladesh gained their independence. Many South Asians migrated for different reasons - for economic opportunities, to escape civil war or to join their families. As previously mentioned, issues of discrimination have always been a part of the UK and South Asians have encountered this the most. However, they also contributed to British society and Leicester is a great example of this. Research shows that Leicester is the first city in the UK with the majority of South Asians. It is also a diverse and multicultural city with a peaceful social cohesion and a strong economy. Yet, there have been reports, articles and journals on the increase of hate crimes due to Brexit. Besides the social factors, there are also several economic factors, for instance, EU immigration and economic uncertainty. To understand, why the South Asians are targeted and if Brexit has had an impact on South Asians, the following research question has been created: ‘How did Brexit socially and economically affect the South Asian Minorities in Leicester, United Kingdom?’

In order to provide a reliable answer to the main research question, qualitative research has been used in combination with primary data and secondary data. Several experts and academics on Brexit and ethnic migration have been interviewed, in order to gain comprehensive knowledge of this subject and to provide reliable recommendations.

Moreover, the primary research shows that South Asians contradict the secondary research regarding social factors. However, regarding the economic factors, similar responses are stated. South Asians acknowledged what Brexit means to them and what the future possibly holds. Firstly, an economic factor they want to improve is the control over EU immigration. Secondly, re-establishing the relationship between the commonwealth countries. And thirdly, to diminish the economic uncertainty and risks. Finally, the social factors did not affect as much as the economic factors did. However, it is too premature to determine the substantial effects on South Asians and to what extent.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aradhna-changoer