London Mar 20 (V7N) -Thousands of Bangladeshis who recently arrived in Britain on care visas are facing mounting concerns over their future. Despite dreams of a better life, many are finding themselves trapped in a cycle of uncertainty, with the promises of stable employment and wages often falling short due to changing government policies and exploitation by unregulated brokers.
In the last three years, a large number of Bangladeshis have moved to Britain on care visas and as their dependents. However, more than half of them, once in the country, are left deeply worried that their aspirations have been crushed by reality. A so-called lawyer, who regularly advertises his services, opened a company in East London offering sponsor licenses and visa services. The business buys and sells work permits, operating as a brokerage. Bangladeshis have been among those affected.
Md Iqbal Hossain, principal solicitor barrister of Chancery Solicitors in East London London, said on Wednesday that a new class of sudden billionaires has been created in the Bangladeshi community of Britain by dealing in care visas and work permits.
"They have become owners of huge wealth by cheating brokers. Many have invested huge sums of money in various European countries including Dubai. But many people who come on care visas are still suffering endlessly with their families. The reason behind this is the government's frequent policy and policy changes," he added.
"A care home owner who needs 5 staff brings in 40 staff. Thousands of our workers are not even receiving half of the hours and wages promised by the employer."
Again, there are workers who are not trained to provide care and have no idea what they are doing. They do not even understand the British people they care for. The Home Office should have checked or confirmed the competence of individuals coming on a care visa as workers from the outset.
A wave of criticism has engulfed the UK's immigration system as impending changes to work visa regulations face sharp rebuke from businesses, advocacy groups, and even government watchdogs.
The debate centres on the efficacy and impact of recent and upcoming alterations to the Skilled Worker visa route, with concerns mounting over potential economic repercussions and the treatment of migrant workers.
A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has added fuel to the fire, revealing significant shortcomings in the Home Office's approach to managing and assessing the effects of its visa policies. Key findings include:
Lack of impact assessment
The NAO highlighted that many changes to the skilled worker visa route have been implemented without a thorough understanding of their potential consequences. This has led to uncertainty for businesses reliant on skilled migrant labor.
Specifically, the report pointed out that the effects of changes enacted since 2022 had not been properly assessed.
Oversight concerns
Concerns have been raised about the Home Office's ability to monitor the long-term outcomes of individuals granted visas, as well as the overall contribution of the visa route to the UK economy.
The report also highlighted increasing worries about non-compliance and potential exploitation within the Skilled Worker visa route.
Increased asylum claims
The report also showed a large increase in skilled worker visa holders claiming asylum. This is a very concerning trend, and shows that the system is not working as intended.
Sponsor licence revocation
The Home Office has revoked numerous sponsor licences, particularly in the care sector, due to abuse and exploitation.
These findings have heightened existing anxieties about the government's broader immigration strategy, which aims to curb net migration.
Business and advocacy groups respond
Business leaders have expressed fears that stricter visa rules could worsen existing labour shortages, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and hospitality.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential for increased exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers.
"These changes, made without proper assessment, risk crippling essential industries and undermining the UK's global competitiveness," said a representative from a leading business advocacy group.
Migrant rights organizations have also condemned the changes, arguing that they create a hostile environment for foreign workers.
"We are deeply concerned that these policies will lead to increased exploitation and leave many vulnerable individuals without adequate protection," said a spokesperson for a prominent migrant support charity.
Government stance
The Home Office has defended its approach, asserting that the changes are necessary to ensure the immigration system serves the best interests of the UK. They have said that steps are being taken to combat abuse of the system and announced plans to release a White Paper to "restore order to our broken immigration system".
However, the findings of the NAO report have cast doubt on the government's claims, raising questions about the effectiveness and transparency of its immigration policies.
Looking ahead
As the new immigration rules loom, the debate is set to intensify. The government faces increasing pressure to address the concerns raised by businesses, advocacy groups, and watchdogs.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these changes on the UK's economy and society.
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