Hi,

I hold a degree in Political Science and came to the UK with a dream:

to fuse public policy and mental health — to build a life through care, contribute to society, and serve the most vulnerable people.

Like thousands of migrant care workers, I worked 80–100 hour weeks, covered in bruises, exhausted but hopeful. We believed that after 5 years, we would finally find stability, and build futures in the UK.

The new 15-year settlement rule has destroyed that hope.

It leaves us bruised, battered, and without a future — labelled “low-skilled” despite giving our tears, blood, and sweat to keep this country’s most vulnerable alive, safe, and thriving.

We did not come here to take;

we came here to serve.

And now we are being punished for that service.

The Human Impact — Real People, Real Lives

Grace

A graduate from the London School of Economics, mother of two young girls, working 15-hour shifts managing highly challenging behaviours, medications, appointments, and safeguarding risks.

She barely sees her children — all for the hope of a stable future.

This rule tells her that her sacrifice is worth nothing.

Karra

(Preferred name used)

A clinical psychologist working as a support worker — cleaning, caring, de-escalating violence, writing endless documentation, managing complex mental health needs.

She worked 90-hour weeks with professionalism, dignity, and compassion.

Her skills should be recognised — not erased

Abe

(Nickname used)

A qualified ACCA professional, deeply passionate about people, working with the most complex and volatile service users in their homes.

He teaches life skills, integrates clients into the community, and transforms lives daily.

Now, distraught by the 15-year rule, he is preparing to leave the UK —a devastating loss for the care sector.

Myself

A Political Science graduate working in learning disability and mental health services.

I contracted COVID in my first week but continued to support my service users because they needed me.

Like so many, I have worked gruelling shifts, got hurt, got back up, and kept going.

Not for money.

Not for praise.

But because human lives depend on us.

What the Government Gets Wrong

Care workers are not “low-skilled.”

We are:

• Medication handlers
• Safeguarding guardians
• Crisis responders
• Behaviour specialists
• Mental health stabilisers
• Support planners and risk assessment experts
• Documentation experts
• De-escalation professionals
• Emotional lifelines
• Essential workers

We transform lives every single day.

During COVID, when the country was terrified, we stepped forward without hesitation.

And now?

We are told we must wait 15 years to feel safe in the country we serve.

This is not policy —

this is modern exploitation.

What We Are Asking For

We demand the UK Government to:

1. Reverse the 15-Year Settlement Rule for Health & Social Care Workers

Reinstate the 5-year pathway for ILR as it existed when we entered the UK.

2. Recognise Care Workers as Skilled Professionals

Our responsibilities exceed those of many recognised professions.

3. Engage With Us Before Making Policies About Us

Meet with care workers. Understand our work. Hear our stories.

4. Protect the Workforce That Protects the Vulnerable

We are the backbone of learning disability, mental health, challenging behaviour, and elderly care.

Why We Are Now Forced To Consider Strike Action

We have tolerated:

80–100 hour weeks

Abuse and violence

Understaffing

Emotional burnout

Low pay

Chronic exhaustion

But the 15-year rule is the final betrayal.

This policy will trigger a mass exodus of skilled, trained, compassionate workers — Leaving vulnerable people abandoned.

We don’t want to strike.

But we cannot survive like this.

Please Stand With Us

We came here legally.

We followed the rules.

We worked tirelessly.

We contributed every day.

We held up the care sector when the country was collapsing.

Now we ask for basic fairness.

• Help us protect care workers.
• Help us protect the people we support.
• Help us protect the future of social care in the UK.

 

Sign this petition. Share it widely.

Be our voice when the system silences us. Or do a shift with us. You will understand the contributions we make