Angela Rayner Criticizes Proposed Visa Rule Changes for Migrant Care Workers
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has expressed strong opposition to proposed changes in visa regulations affecting migrants currently residing in the UK. She described altering the rules retrospectively as "the wrong thing to do," reiterating her criticism of certain immigration policies under the Labour government.
In an interview with the BBC, Rayner emphasized that it would be "un-British" to require care workers already living in the UK to wait up to 15 years—an increase from the current five years—before they can apply for permanent settlement.
"It would be un-British to make care staff already in the UK wait for up to 15 years - rather than the current five - before being allowed to settle permanently."
She distinguished between border control and retrospective actions on individuals who have established their lives in the country, stating that these are "completely different" matters.
The UK government has been consulting on immigration rule modifications, with no final decision yet made regarding the permanent residency status of migrant workers already living in the UK.
A government spokesperson clarified the official stance:
"Our position has not changed, and the route to settlement will double from five to 10 years.
We will always welcome those that come to this country and contribute to our national life. But the privilege of living here forever should be earned, not automatic."
The spokesperson further noted that the UK has experienced historically high levels of migration in recent years and emphasized the need for transparency about the impact of "hundreds of thousands of low-skilled migrants getting settlement."
Rayner Speaks at Unison Rally
At a rally organized by the public service union Unison on Wednesday, Rayner reiterated her stance against retrospective rule changes affecting care workers who comply with regulations and contribute to society.
"Care workers helped us through the darkest days of the pandemic," Rayner said. "Care is a system we may all need, and rely upon.
So I for one won't rest until all those who give and receive care do so with the dignity and respect they deserve."
Rayner initially voiced concerns about retrospective immigration changes in March. At that time, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Labour's candidate in the Makerfield by-election, expressed understanding of her position and suggested the party should heed her views.
However, at the start of the Makerfield by-election campaign, Burnham indicated his agreement with the "broad thrust" of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's approach to immigration.
Details on Settlement and Proposed Changes
Settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain, allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and to apply for benefits if eligible.
Ministers have proposed doubling the qualifying period for most migrants from five to 10 years. Under these proposals, those arriving on health and social care visas would face a 15-year wait, while individuals who have relied on benefits for more than 12 months would need to wait 20 years.
Home Secretary Mahmood has defended these plans, citing the "unprecedented" number of arrivals in the UK as necessitating government action.
Despite this, numerous Labour MPs have opposed the retrospective nature of the proposals, describing them as "un-British" and accusing the government of "moving the goalposts."
Rayner's Message on Immigration and Care Worker Rights
Speaking to the BBC, Rayner declined to comment on any hypothetical Labour leadership contest but conveyed a clear message to current and future party leaders.
"We shouldn't rip up the rules halfway through – taking retrospective action on people who are taxpayers, who are making a contribution, who are part of our society looking after our most vulnerable," Rayner said.
"It's unfair, it's un-British to do so."
She expressed support for border control measures but emphasized that these are distinct from settlement rights for legal migrants.
Rayner also called on her own government to increase wages for care workers and to remove visa restrictions tying care workers to specific employers, which she argued fosters exploitation.
Although the former housing secretary has not announced any intention to run in a Labour leadership contest, she is actively advocating for policy reforms.
