UNISON is mobilising health and social care workers across the UK as part of its Fair Visa Campaign, a growing movement demanding urgent reform of the Health and Social Care Visa. The campaign, led by members organising in workplaces nationwide, is calling on the government to deliver justice, respect and meaningful recognition for migrant and non-migrant workers who keep the sector running.
Campaigners are urging ministers to take three key actions:
- Retain the five-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for health and social care workers, recognising their essential economic and social contributions.
- End exploitation in the sector by replacing employer-sponsored visas with a fair, sector-wide immigration scheme.
- Introduce a Fair Pay Agreement, establishing sectoral collective bargaining to improve pay, job security and working conditions.
What began as a small group of committed members has now evolved into a nationwide organising effort. Thousands of workers have joined the campaign, meeting MPs and lobbying parliamentarians to push for immediate policy changes ahead of the campaign’s major mobilisation.
UNISON will hold its Fair Visa Campaign National Day of Action on Wednesday 17 December at the Houses of Parliament in London, offering members a direct opportunity to demonstrate collective strength and present their case to decision makers.
Members from across the country are expected to attend, and UNISON is coordinating travel arrangements to and from London. Participants are required to arrange time off work, with support available from organisers. After registering interest, members will receive a call to discuss logistics before receiving an attendance ticket.
Attendance is open exclusively to UNISON members who are also active members. Individuals not yet involved can join the union or sign up for active membership through the provided links.
UNISON states it will use the collected details solely for communications related to the Fair Visa Campaign, and that all data will be securely destroyed after the campaign ends, in line with the union’s privacy policy.
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