Tony Vaughan MP Leads Debate on Indefinite Leave to Remain for Healthcare Workers

On 18th November, RAMP Principal Tony Vaughan MP tabled a debate on indefinite leave to remain for healthcare workers following e-petition 631412. The petition proposed reducing the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to two years to mitigate the risk of exploitation and help address the issue of care workers leaving the UK for better conditions elsewhere.

He raised concerns about health and care worker visas in the UK, which risk tying workers to exploitative employers to avoid losing their visa. He highlighted that the UK offers only a 60-day grace period to find new employment, after which individuals risk becoming undocumented with limited support options.

Vaughan called for stronger enforcement of employment rights, flexible visa policies and the introduction of mechanisms like a migrant justice visa to support workers leaving abusive situations.