In recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed a steady influx of migrant workers especially from developing and underdeveloped countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, drawn by promises of better opportunities and a brighter future under skilled worker visas. However, for many, these aspirations have turned into nightmares as they find themselves trapped in exploitative situations, facing broken promises and dire living conditions. This exploitation is mainly exercised under Care Visa and Child Care Visa Schemes. 

The journey begins with hopeful candidates investing irrational and unlawful substantial sums—often around £15,000—£18,000 through third-party agencies, believing they are securing a pathway to a stable job and improved livelihoods in the UK. Unfortunately, the stark reality awaiting them on British soil is a far cry from their expectations. Despite assurances, a significant number of these migrant workers find themselves without the promised employment upon arrival, with companies failing to fulfill their obligations. Some companies exploit the migrant workers by offering sham training programs with no intention of giving employment thereafter. 

One of the root causes of this predicament lies in the profit-driven motives of certain UK companies, who exploit the skilled worker visa system for their own gain. Many of these companies, in deliberate violation of labor regulations, demand exorbitant sums from perspective candidates through their agents. In most of the cases, candidates are unskilled with no prior work experience or effective skills about the employment that they are set to do in the UK. Unfortunately, companies often prioritize financial benefit over the skills and qualifications of their candidates. As a result, these companies, often falling short of the standards set by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI), face consequences such as license revocations. Shockingly, between 2022 and 2023, approximately 122 companies had their licenses revoked, leaving thousands of migrant workers in limbo.

For those affected by the cancellation of their sponsor company's license, the torment is far from over. They are thrust into a desperate scramble to find new sponsors to maintain their legal status in the UK, a process fraught with uncertainty and financial burden. The cycle of exploitation continues as these individuals are once again forced into paying excessive fees around £15,000 to secure their legal status in the UK.

The consequences of this systemic failure extend beyond the individuals directly affected, echoing through entire families and communities. Many find themselves trapped in miserable living conditions, struggling to cope with the harsh realities of their shattered dreams.

It is imperative that authorities take decisive action to address the exploitative practices rampant within the skilled worker visa system. Stricter oversight, enforcement of regulations, and support mechanisms for migrant workers are crucial steps towards ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld. As a society, we cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of these individuals whose aspirations for a better life have been dashed by corrupt practices. Only through collective action and advocacy can we strive to create a fairer and more equitable future for all migrant workers in the UK.

Writer:

Quazi Mahfujur Rahman

Director, Mentors’ Education, Moulvibazar Branch