In response to John Harris’s recent article, “In an NHS ward I saw how Britain relies on immigrants. Yet still we tell them they’re not wanted” (16 February), readers have voiced their concerns over the ongoing struggles faced by migrant health and care workers, particularly those who are separated from their families due to restrictive visa policies.
The article touched upon the newly enforced March 2024 rules, which prevent migrant care workers from bringing dependants to the UK. However, less known is the plight of thousands of health and care workers who arrived before the new rules and have been denied the right to reunite with their children. A report released on 22 January by Action for Southern Africa and Women of Zimbabwe revealed that many migrant mothers—most of whom are single parents—have been waiting years to be joined by their children.
These workers, who play an essential role in looking after the UK’s most vulnerable, are caught in a bureaucratic nightmare. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department requires proof of “sole responsibility” for a child, a concept that extends beyond the internationally recognized notion of “sole custody.” This policy has left many single mothers unable to reunite with their children, with some being forced to make multiple costly visa applications, only to be met with repeated refusals. The report also highlights the lack of clarity regarding the required documentation and the inconsistent application of the guidelines, which has resulted in severe delays and, in some cases, exploitation by unscrupulous legal advisors.
One heartbreaking case described in the report involves a mother from Zimbabwe who was separated from her two young daughters for almost two years. After submitting six applications—three for each child—she was finally granted the necessary visas. However, thousands of other children remain stranded, unable to reunite with their mothers. This situation mirrors the echoes of the Windrush scandal, raising serious questions about why children from southern Africa, in particular, are left in limbo for such extended periods.
Tricia Sibbons, Director of Action for Southern Africa, expressed her frustration, asking, “Why is it deemed acceptable for children from southern Africa to be kept apart from their mothers for extended periods of time?”
Readers also shared personal experiences of the vital role migrant workers play in British society. Patricia Chinyoka agreed with Harris’s observations, describing a visit to A&E last summer, where her 90-year-old mother was cared for by two overseas nurses who demonstrated outstanding professionalism. Despite their exemplary service, Chinyoka was appalled to overhear racist comments from patients, one of whom blamed the state of the NHS on immigrants. “Bitter absurdity indeed,” Chinyoka remarked, reflecting on her feelings of gratitude for the staff and anger at the prejudice she witnessed.
Warwick Hillman, another reader, emphasized the broader contribution of immigrants beyond the NHS. He noted that many essential services, from postal deliveries to grocery stores, rely heavily on migrant workers. Hillman further illustrated the importance of migrants with a personal anecdote, recalling how a Turkish Cypriot doctor expertly treated his broken fibula. He urged that the demonization of migrants be exposed for what it truly is, highlighting that the Hallelujah Chorus was composed by an economic migrant, as a reminder of the valuable contributions migrants make to British society.
These responses reflect a growing frustration with the UK’s treatment of migrant workers, particularly those in health and care roles, and their families. As the country continues to rely on these workers, many are questioning why such essential contributors are being subjected to unjust policies that divide families and foster division within society.
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