Migrant Workers Struggle Amidst Harsh UK Policies

Migrant workers in the UK are facing tough times. Recent changes in immigration rules are causing a lot of stress and uncertainty. These changes are making it harder for people to stay in the country, even if they have been living and working here for years. 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 are not just numbers; they are people who contribute to the country's economy and community. The situation is especially critical 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. It pushes people into difficult situations, making them vulnerable to exploitation and poverty. The frequent changes in immigration rules are making things worse. 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.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. 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. 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. 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. 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.