Migrant workers in the United Kingdom staged a protest against proposed immigration changes outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on September 28. The demonstration, organised by UNISON, the UK's largest trade union, saw over 400 people participate, wearing chains and singing Nigerian singer Asa's song 'Jailer' to highlight their opposition to the proposed changes. The song, released in 2007, was chosen for its themes of "oppression, power and refusing to accept being treated as a prisoner".
The proposed changes, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, would extend the qualifying period for permanent settlement to 15 years for care staff, NHS employees, and lower-paid public service workers. Currently, skilled workers can qualify for settlement in five years. UNISON is campaigning to retain the five-year qualifying period and advocating for a sector-wide visa sponsorship system for social care workers to reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
Many migrant workers' visas tie them to specific employers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan criticised the proposed changes, saying they would replace the existing five-year settlement expectation with "the threat of 15 years of insecurity and exploitation". Egan called on the Government to abandon the proposals, stating that migrant workers should not be blamed for inadequate investment in public services.
The demonstration was part of UNISON's Fair Visa Campaign, which aims to highlight the restrictive nature of the proposed immigration rules. The union said that the changes would affect not only migrant workers but also their families' future in the UK. Egan emphasised that the NHS, social care, and other essential services rely on the hard work of migrant staff.
Nigerians are particularly affected by the proposed changes, as they have been a significant source of workers recruited through the UK's Health and Care Worker visa route. In 2023, 18,143 Nigerian nationals were granted visas to work as care workers and home carers, accounting for 58 per cent of visas granted for care worker and home carer jobs alongside nationals of India and Zimbabwe.
The proposed changes have sparked concerns about the impact on the UK's public services. UNISON is urging the Government to reconsider the plans and instead implement a more flexible and fair visa system. The union argues that the current system is restrictive and can lead to exploitation.
The protest in Liverpool was a show of solidarity among migrant workers and their supporters. The use of Asa's song 'Jailer' highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of the proposed changes on migrant workers. The outcome of the protest and the Government's response to the concerns raised remain to be seen.
Key points
- The proposed changes to the UK's settlement system could extend the qualifying period for permanent settlement to 15 years for care staff, NHS employees, and lower-paid public service workers.
- Migrant workers and their supporters protested the proposed changes outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, singing Asa's song 'Jailer' and wearing chains to highlight their opposition.
- The protest was organised by UNISON, which is campaigning to retain the five-year qualifying period and advocating for a sector-wide visa sponsorship system for social care workers.
