UK Migrant Workers Protest Proposed Changes to Visa Rules

Migrant workers in the United Kingdom protested against new immigration rules on Monday, 28 September. They wore chains and sang Asa’s song, ‘Jailer’. This protest took place outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. Workers are worried that the changes could make them wait up to 15 years before they can get permanent settlement.

Videos shared by UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union, showed the protesters in chains, singing ‘Jailer’. This song was released in 2007 by Nigerian artist Bukola Elemide, known as Asa. It was part of her first album.

UNISON shared on its Instagram that the workers chose to sing ‘Jailer’ because it talks about “oppression, power and refusing to accept being treated as a prisoner.” The protest saw more than 400 people join, with many wearing symbolic balls and chains.

The union explained that the current visa rules tie workers to a specific employer. If they leave a bad job or speak up, it could impact their right to stay in the UK and their families’ futures.

Why They Are Protesting

This protest was part of UNISON’s Fair Visa Campaign. The campaign is calling for the UK government to drop the proposed changes to settlement rules. UNISON stated, “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 wants to keep the five-year settlement period for skilled workers. They also want a “sector-wide visa sponsorship system” for social care workers. This system would help reduce the risk of workers being exploited.

At the protest, UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan spoke out. She said migrant workers should not be blamed for the lack of investment in public services. “The NHS, social care and other essential services rely on the hard work of migrant staff,” Ms Egan said, according to the union.

She accused the government of replacing the five-year settlement expectation with “the threat of 15 years of insecurity and exploitation” and asked for the proposals to be removed.

Nigerians Are Key Workers

The proposed changes are especially important for Nigerians. Nigeria has been a major source of workers for the UK’s Health and Care Worker visa route. UK Home Office data shows that 18,143 Nigerian nationals were given visas to work as care workers and home carers in 2023.

Alongside migrants from India and Zimbabwe, Nigerians made up 58 percent of visas given for care worker and home carer jobs that year, according to the Home Office.

Government Is Considering Changes

The protest happened as some Labour leaders and trade unions opposed the proposed changes. The Guardian reported that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signalled on 28 September that she was thinking about softening the plans to make it harder for some foreign workers to get permanent residence in the UK.

While speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Ms Mahmood acknowledged that some had called parts of the reforms unfair. She stated that the government would “come to a position that balances fairness for those who came here legally, and fairness to British citizens.”

The Guardian reported that her remarks came after pressure from Labour cabinet members, including Angela Rayner, and UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan, who urged the government to drop the proposed changes. The newspaper also mentioned that no final decision had been made on the proposals.