Migrant workers in the United Kingdom have protested against proposed immigration changes that could extend the qualifying period for permanent settlement to 15 years, singing Nigerian singer Asa’s song Jailer while wearing chains.
The demonstration took place on Monday, September 28, outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, where migrant workers and their supporters challenged plans to change the UK’s settlement system.
Videos shared by UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union, on Saturday showed protesters wearing chains and singing the song, which Asa, whose real name is Bukola Elemide, released in 2007 on her self-titled debut album.
In a post on Instagram, UNISON said the protesters chose the song because of its themes of “oppression, power and refusing to accept being treated as a prisoner”.
The union said more than 400 people attended the demonstration, with many symbolically wearing balls and chains to highlight what they described as the restrictive nature of the proposed immigration rules.
According to UNISON, some migrant workers hold visas that tie them to specific employers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The arrangement can make workers fear that leaving an abusive workplace or speaking out could jeopardise their immigration status and their families’ future in the UK.
The protest was organised under the union’s Fair Visa Campaign, which is urging the UK Government to abandon the proposed changes.
“Under plans from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, care staff, NHS employees and lower-paid public service workers will have to wait 15 years to qualify to settle in the UK, instead of the current five,” UNISON said on its website.
The union wants the five-year qualifying period retained for skilled workers. It is also calling for a sector-wide visa sponsorship system for social care workers, which it says would reduce their vulnerability to exploitation by employers.
Speaking at the demonstration, UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan said migrant workers should not be blamed for inadequate investment in public services.
“The NHS, social care and other essential services rely on the hard work of migrant staff,” Egan said, according to the union.
She criticised the proposed changes, saying they would replace the existing five-year settlement expectation with “the threat of 15 years of insecurity and exploitation”.
Egan urged the UK Government to withdraw the proposals, arguing that migrant workers who came to support essential services should not face prolonged uncertainty over their right to remain in the country.
The proposed changes have generated debate over the treatment of migrant workers, particularly those employed in health and social care, where overseas recruitment has played a significant role.
The proposals are particularly relevant to Nigerians, many of whom have travelled to the UK through health and care work visa routes.
However, the 15-year qualifying period has not been finalised. In a response to Parliament on September 14, the UK Government said it was still analysing more than 200,000 responses to its consultation before deciding on the final settlement model.
400+ migrant care workers protest working conditions and visa rules with Aṣa’s “Jailer” outside Labour Conference.
Because for them, it’s not just a song.
Visa rules tie care workers to one employer. Speak out or leave exploitation, and they risk their right to stay in the UK and their families’ futures.Their demands:
✊ Freedom to change employers
✊ Protection of the five-year route to settlementNo care worker should have to choose between exploitation and deportation.
In resistance, we find collective joyAtiku NNPC Subsidy Fola Fuel is 1900 Touching Taiwo Oyedele ULANBIT Masoyinbo #bovicomedy petrol Xabi Alonso
— Sojah (@endyspy) October 10, 2026