Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has condemned proposed changes to visa rules for migrant care workers already residing in the UK, labeling them as 'the wrong thing to do.' Speaking out against the government's consultation on immigration rule changes, Rayner argued that making care staff wait up to 15 years before they can settle permanently—instead of the current five years—would be 'un-British.'
Rayner's Stance on Retrospective Action
In an interview with the BBC, Rayner emphasized that taking 'retrospective action on people who have made a life here' is fundamentally different from controlling borders. She spoke at a rally organized by a union on June 10, stating that there should be no retrospective rule changes for care workers 'who follow the rules and contribute to our society.'
Care Workers' Contributions Highlighted
Rayner praised care workers for their support during the pandemic, saying, 'Care workers helped us through the darkest days of the pandemic. Care is a system we may all need, and rely upon.' She pledged to continue advocating for dignity and respect for both care providers and recipients.
Understanding Settlement Rules
Settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain, allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK permanently. According to the government website, it grants the right to apply for benefits and citizenship. Currently, health and social care visa holders can apply for settlement after five years, but proposed changes would extend this to 15 years. Those relying on benefits for more than 12 months would face a 20-year wait.
The government has yet to decide on the permanent residency rules for migrant workers already in the UK. Rayner's comments come amid ongoing consultations on immigration policy changes.
