Migrant Workers Struggle Amidst Harsh UK Policies

Recent changes in immigration rules are causing stress and uncertainty for migrant workers in the UK.

Workers Speak Out

Many workers, like Avi Khera, a railway worker, are speaking out against these changes. They feel that the policies are unfair and lack humanity. These workers contribute significantly to the country's economy and community.

Critical Situation for NHS Workers

The situation is especially dire for NHS workers. Some nursing assistants are at risk of losing their right to live and work in the UK. This is not only traumatic but also dangerous, pushing people into difficult situations and making them vulnerable to exploitation and poverty.

Frequent Changes in Immigration Rules

The frequent changes in immigration rules are exacerbating the problem. Between 2010 and 2018, there were over 5,700 changes. Many people could not keep up and ended up in undocumented status. Regularizing their status under current rules can take decades.

Problematic Visa System

The current system ties visas to employers, which can be problematic. If a worker loses their job or faces a crisis, they can be punished. This system does not stop exploitation; it encourages it. Raids on migrant workers, like the one at a Christmas market in Surrey, only drive people further into the shadows.

Government's Claims and Realities

The government claims that extending settlement routes will restore control. However, stability and safety are not incentives; they are basic human needs. Making settlement harder does not deter migration; it deepens suffering and fuels exploitation.

Government's Threats and Patterns

The government's threats to impose visa penalties on countries that do not cooperate with removals reveal a familiar pattern. The same state that talks about sovereignty is willing to coerce other nations to serve its domestic political goals.

Policies Push People Underground

These policies make people less safe and push them underground. On 13 December, people protested and marched to show that migrant workers are not disposable. They belong in every community and workplace.

Choosing Rights Over Raids

If the government wants unity, it needs to choose rights over raids, security over fear, and dignity over exploitation. Blaming migrants for division is not moral leadership; it is a political choice.