British Liberal Democrats peer Lord Jonny Oates has strongly criticized the UK’s policy of barring caregivers’ dependents from relocating to the country, calling it “immoral” and warning of its impact on the healthcare system.
In March 2024, the UK Home Office introduced new visa regulations that prevent overseas care workers, including many Zimbabweans, from bringing their family members with them to the UK.
This decision was made in response to what the Home Office termed a “disproportionate” situation, where 120,000 dependents accompanied 100,000 workers on the care visa route last year.
Home Secretary James Cleverly defended the move, citing the need to combat visa abuse and reduce what he described as “unsustainable” levels of legal migration.
He acknowledged the valuable contribution of care workers to society but stressed the government’s commitment to addressing immigration system abuse.
Lord Oates criticized the government’s decision, expressing deep concern over the impact on caregivers who are now unable to bring their children with them.
He emphasized the contradiction of asking care workers to look after loved ones while denying them the same opportunity for their families.
He questioned the rationale behind the policy change, particularly as the government acknowledged that demand for care roles would not significantly decrease due to this measure.
Lord Oates expressed concerns that the changes could lead to a decline in the experience and quality of care workers coming to the UK.
Lord Oates highlighted the plight of affected caregivers, noting instances where women healthcare workers were refused visas for their children despite having work permits issued before the policy change.
He warned that many of these women would be forced to return home rather than continue to be separated from their families.
The democrat urged authorities to recognize the exceptional qualifications and skills of caregiving women, emphasizing that the UK would not benefit from these talents if separation from their families continued.
He questioned the morality of the policy change and its impact on caregivers and their families, urging careful consideration of the situation and empathy for those affected.
Lord Oates also highlighted potential negative consequences of the dependent ban, including forcing caregivers into exploitative working conditions and increasing the risk of destitution, as partners’ income often serves as a lifeline for migrant care workers in the UK.
