Lydia Kabute: Kenyan Care Worker Confronts 15-Year UK Settlement Delay

A proposed extension to the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain in the UK has raised concern among migrant care workers, many of whom already face difficult working conditions.

Lydia, a 41-year-old mother of two living in Dorset, moved to the UK to build a stable future while supporting a sector in need of staff. Instead, she reports working long hours, receiving incomplete pay, and sleeping in her car between shifts. Her situation reflects the vulnerability of migrant care workers under visa rules that tie them to their employers.

According to her account, Lydia regularly worked more than 100 hours a week without full payment. She was not reimbursed for travel between clients, and when she raised concerns, she was warned that her employer could withdraw visa sponsorship. 

Losing sponsorship would mean losing her legal right to remain in the country. The physical impact has been significant, including a chronic back condition caused by sleeping in her vehicle. Despite this, she continues working due to her sense of responsibility to those she cares for.

The proposed policy change would extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five years to 15 years. For many migrant workers, this would delay the possibility of long-term security. Lydia questioned the change, noting that the conditions under which she and others arrived in the UK have been altered.