UCU: Protecting migrant workers: Fair visa support and workplace rights in FE

Motion

Motion title: Protecting migrant workers: Fair visa support and workplace rights in FE

Motion text: FESC notes:
1. The high costs of visas, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and the
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) disproportionately affect migrant staff in
Further Education (FE)
2. Many FE colleges do not offer visa fee support, unlike Higher Education (HE)
institutions
3. Migrant staff in FE face increased job insecurity, workplace discrimination,
and vulnerabilities linked to their immigration status
FESC believes:
a. The government’s hostile environment exacerbates workplace discrimination,
and the fear of losing sponsorship prevents many from challenging poor
working conditions
b. These issues contribute to a lack of representation in FE governance and
decision-making
FESC resolves:
i. For UCU to campaign for sector-wide visa fee support in FE
ii. To demand mandatory anti-racism training in FE and workplace protections
for migrant staff
iii. To lobby for greater representation of migrant workers in FE governance
structures