Immigration Reform: UK Migrant Workers Wear Chains In Protest Against Visa Changes

Over 400 migrant care workers and public service staff staged a symbolic demonstration outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, wearing chains and singing Nigerian artist Aṣa’s hit song Jailer to protest proposed UK visa reforms. According to reports published by GhanaWeb on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the demonstration was organized by UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union, under its “Fair Visa Campaign.”  

Protesters gathered to voice opposition against proposed immigration policy changes by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that could extend the qualifying period for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from five years to 15 years for lower-paid public service employees, National Health Service (NHS) staff, and social care workers.

Union representatives explained that participants chose Aṣa’s 2007 track Jailer due to its core themes of power dynamics, oppression, and refusing to accept subjugation.  UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan criticized the proposed reforms, arguing that essential UK services rely heavily on international workers who face increased vulnerability to employer exploitation when visa terms tie them strictly to specific sponsors.

Official Home Office statistics show that Nigerian nationals—alongside health workers from India and Zimbabwe—account for a significant portion of the UK’s health and social care workforce.  Human rights advocates and trade union leaders urged the British government to drop the 15-year settlement proposal and retain the existing five-year pathway to ensure stability and fair treatment for international care personnel.  

Source: GhanaWeb / UNISON Trade Union Press Releases / Premium Times / UK Home Office Statistics 

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