MIGRANT health and care workers from across Somerset met Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos to explain how restrictive visa rules are affecting their lives.

Workers described the fear and uncertainty caused by the current sponsorship system in meeting with the MP on Monday December 1.

They spoke about unsafe workloads, limits on changing jobs, separation from their families and the impact of government plans to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to ten or more.

Health and social care staff told Mr Amos that these retrospective changes break the promises made to the thousands who moved to the UK during the pandemic to support struggling health and care services.

Adekunle Akinola, mental health nurse and UNISON representative, said: “The only relief migrant workers get to have is looking towards a future where we are no longer in bondage to our sponsorship visa.”

Migrant workers have asked Mr Amos to join the national lobby on December 17 and raise concerns with the Home Secretary.

The MP thanked workers for sharing their experiences and said retrospective changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain rules are “morally wrong”.

Mr Amos committed to speaking with other Liberal Democrat MPs about attending the lobby.

UNISON members across the country have been organising with colleagues to push for changes to the Health and Social Care Visa, campaigning for justice, respect and recognition.

UNISON is asking the government to end exploitation, introduce a Fair Pay Agreement and recognition for the vital economic and social contribution of health and social care workers.

The Fair Visa Campaign National Day of Action will be held on Wednesday, December 17, at the Houses of Parliament in London.

For more information, visit: www.unison.org.uk/events/fair-visa-campaign-national-lobby