In Britain, migrant workers provide vital economic and social contributions, yet their lived experiences while working and residing in the country are frequently challenging and negative. During the UNISON One Weekend event, participants had the privilege of listening to insights from Accomplish Magazine’s Publisher, Remi Diagbare, and Chiedozie Daniel Onyeamah, who discussed the challenges confronting migrant workers. They were joined by MP Matt Turmaine for this important discussion.

Diagbare opened up about her personal journey within the social care sector. “We often don’t report when we are undermined and, as a result, we don’t often demand our rights,” she said. “This is why joining UNISON is the best decision for any worker, especially the migrant worker. UNISON has your back and will go all the way to ensure your rights are not trampled on and that you get a fair deal.”

Addressing the government’s recent immigration White Paper, she commented: “Lots of the proposed changes are awful and will have an extremely negative impact on care, our colleagues and their families as well as the economy as a whole.

“We all need to come together, whether we are international workers or not; to push for what is right,” she said.

Chiedozie Daniel Onyeamah, another migrant care worker, added his perspective. “I was motivated by the opportunity to help others and build a better life. However, the reality is that carers — especially those of us from immigrant backgrounds — face a lot of pressure, often without the same level of support or protection.”

He highlighted various problematic employment practices, such as delayed payments and insufficient employer support. “There is a clear disconnect between the expectations placed on care workers and the treatment we receive,” he said.

He outlined how an improved visa system could make a difference: “As immigrant care workers, we want to contribute meaningfully to society while being treated with dignity and fairness. Right now, the skilled worker visa comes with heavy restrictions that limit our independence and financial security.

“We are often tied to one employer or sponsor, and this lack of flexibility means we can’t seek better opportunities or adequate working hours elsewhere. A fair visa system would reduce exploitation, stop fraudulent practices in the sponsorship system, and bring an end to situations where international workers are charged exorbitant fees just to secure a job.”

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