As a migrant care worker, I provide essential support to your elderly loved ones, offering comfort and assistance when they most need it. Every day, I dedicate myself to ensuring they regain their strength and dignity, often being the source of their first smile in weeks.
Arriving in the UK as an asylum seeker, I found purpose in caring for others, earning respect and gratitude from the families I assist. Despite the long hours and taxing work, I contribute to society through my dedication and hard work, striving to make a difference in people’s lives.
However, there is a growing sense of being unseen and undervalued, with some labeling workers like me as a burden. Yet, my commitment to my role goes beyond mere duty — it is a testament to my perseverance and dedication to helping others in need.
Without migrant carers like me, essential services such as care homes and hospitals would struggle to function, impacting countless lives. The recent proposal to delay the eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain for up to 15 years brings a deep sense of disappointment and uncertainty.
We, as migrant care workers, seek fairness and recognition for our contributions, not special treatment. We yearn for stability, respect, and the opportunity to build a future without prolonged uncertainty. Our presence in this country is not to take but to give back, and we hope for a day when our efforts are acknowledged and reciprocated in kind.