Migrant Carers Trapped: GBP 10K Visa Fees Raise Alarms Over Exploitation

Migrant carers employed at Lotus Care homes across northwest England are potentially facing considerable exploitation. Employees claim that their visa costs are illegal, other working conditions are poor and they face deportation. According to BBC Research, Employees that were recruited by a Merseyside agency said they were paid thousands of pounds up to GBP 10,000 for a free work visa. This is illegal because they cannot force employees to pay for the work visa.

Lotus Care which operates 10 care homes had employees complain that they were understaffed, making carers perform double shifts with no sick leave or pay. Workers called the workplace a “climate of fear” where management threatened to take away their work permits which would result in deportation within 60 days. There was a leaked WhatsApp message from the owner of Lotus Care that said if there were complaints about any situation at Lotus Care, all employees could have their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) cancelled.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) this week highlighted poor standards at Lotus Care homes, with a number of inspections finding neglect such as residents going weeks without a bath and considerable unexplained weight loss. Even though the company rejected the malpractice claims and said it had improved, migrant carers have spoken out about the ongoing mental stress and abuse.

A whistleblower with the Merseyside agency uncovered migrants paying cash for CoS, with agency bosses apparently profiting massively. The government says that employers must pay for visas, which makes these fees illegal.

Representatives of the industry highlighted the precariousness of migrant workers tied to their employers for sponsorship and hinting at the amount of abuse this creates. From reports from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, 61% percent of abuse complaints made last year were from adult social care workers.

The Home Office states that it takes allegations of visa abuse very seriously and is working towards stricter regulations to prevent employers from exploiting migrant carers.