Migrant Care Worker’s Plea for Recognition and Fairness
As a caregiver for the elderly, I provide comfort and assistance to your beloved family members. I am dedicated to ensuring they feel safe and supported, even in their most vulnerable moments. Every day, I give my all to bring a smile to their faces and help them regain their independence and dignity.
Arriving in the UK as an asylum seeker seeking safety and a fresh start, I found purpose in caring for others. Despite the respect and gratitude I receive from those I assist, I often feel unseen by the country I serve. Working long, exhausting hours and contributing to society through taxes and hard work, I still face misconceptions that label me as a burden or an outsider.
I start my days before dawn, ensuring the comfort and well-being of others’ loved ones. I fill essential roles that many shy away from, keeping care facilities and hospitals running smoothly. The support migrant carers provide is crucial to maintaining the fabric of society. Yet, the recent proposal to delay our path to permanent residency by 15 years is disheartening and unjust.
We, as migrant carers, do not seek special treatment or accolades; we only ask for fairness and recognition of our humanity. We bear the weight of responsibility for countless lives, yet are made to wait indefinitely for a sense of belonging. We yearn for stability, respect, and the opportunity to plan our futures without constant uncertainty.
We are not here to take but to give, selflessly dedicating ourselves to the well-being of others. All we ask is for the UK to acknowledge our contributions and extend the same care and consideration to us. Our hope is for a future where our efforts are valued, and our presence is respected in the country we wholeheartedly serve.