Migrant workers in the United Kingdom have staged a protest against a plan that could extend the wait for permanent settlement to 15 years.
The UK migrants protest featured chains and Nigerian singer Asa’s song, ‘Jailer’.
The demonstration took place on Monday, September 28, outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. UNISON, the country’s largest trade union, shared videos of it on Saturday.
Why the UK migrants protest chose ‘Jailer’
In a post on Instagram, UNISON said the protesters picked the song because of its themes of oppression, power and refusing to be treated as a prisoner.
Asa, whose real name is Bukola Elemide, released it in 2007 on her self-titled debut album.
According to the union, more than 400 people took part.
Many wore balls and chains to show how restrictive they believe the proposed rules are.
What the plan means for workers
UNISON said some migrant workers’ visas tie them to particular employers. As a result, they risk exploitation, because leaving an abusive workplace or speaking out could affect their immigration status and their families’ future.
The union organised the protest under its Fair Visa Campaign. It wants the Government to drop the proposals.
“Under plans from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, care staff, NHS employees and lower-paid public service workers will have to wait 15 years to qualify to settle in the UK, instead of the current five,” UNISON said.
The union also wants the five-year period kept for skilled workers. In addition, it is calling for a sector-wide sponsorship system for social care workers, which it says would reduce their exposure to abuse.
UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan said migrant workers should not carry the blame for weak investment in public services.
“The NHS, social care and other essential services rely on the hard work of migrant staff,” she said.
She added that the changes would replace the five-year expectation with “the threat of 15 years of insecurity and exploitation”.
Why Nigerians are watching
The plan matters to Nigerians, who are a major source of workers on the Health and Care Worker visa route. Home Office figures show that 18,143 Nigerians received visas as care workers and home carers in 2023.
Together with Indians and Zimbabweans, Nigerians took 58 per cent of those visas that year.
