Arrival

Growing nationalism in India led to independence. The partition of India into what is now India and Pakistan in 1947, and the later creation of Bangladesh in 1971, was not peaceful. These transitions were violent and caused mass migrations within the subcontinent. Many people left their homelands to seek safety.

In 1972 the president of Uganda ordered the expulsion of Uganda's Indian community, giving approximately 80,000 people the order to leave within 90 days. Many people had access to a UK passport as they were part of the Commonwealth, and so moved to the UK for safety. Much like today, new arrivals were placed in 'resettlement camps'.

Most often men travelled to Britain alone with hopes to bring family members later or marry and raise children in Britain. Restrictions on immigration for many of the arrivals meant that they could only bring £3 with them, which often went on their first train ticket to get to the city they were travelling to in the UK.

Those moving to Britain often faced a lack of welcome, though you will find both stories of hostility and kindness in the archive. South Asians supported each other by communicating across the globe and providing help to newer arrivals.

Due to the restrictions on bringing money, migrating peoples would often need to stay with friends and family who had already settled. Derby was often chosen by people moving to the UK due to its work opportunities. With manufacturing companies such as Qualcast, Ley's Malleable Castings and Celanese based in the city, it was a viable option for those looking to start working quickly.