For Immediate Release
Migrant workers, trade unions, community organisations and campaign groups will gather in Birmingham on Saturday 13 December for a National Emergency Demonstration for Migrant Workers’ Rights, called in response to the Government’s escalating attacks on the rights of migrants and its sweeping overhaul of immigration rules.
Starting at 12PM, the demonstration and march will take place in Birmingham Ladywood, in the constituency of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, to demand an end to the Government’s human rights infringements and the upholding of human rights for all migrants. Protesters are calling for urgent protections, just treatment and dignity for the workers who have built their lives in the UK and who keep the UK’s economy and public services running.
“Enough is enough – migrant workers are not disposable, and we will not tolerate conditions that reduce us to servitude. Our rights, safety and justice must be upheld and respected.”
Following the immigration white paper earlier this year and the 22 July immigration rule changes, last month the Government announced the largest overhaul of the immigration system in 50 years, alongside a tightening of asylum and enforcement measures. Experts warn that these changes will push tens of thousands of migrant workers and their families into even more precarity, exploitation, irregularity and destitution – something the 22 July changes have already begun to do.
Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition (MWRC) member organisations and supporters report a sharp rise in:
- workers losing their jobs and visas due to the Government’s immigration rule changes – a repeat of the 2010s “hostile environment” immigration reforms
- sudden rule changes trapping people in debt and instability
- care workers, agricultural workers and other precarious workers being left with no meaningful route to protection, regularisation or redress.
The demonstration follows a joint letter the coalition sent in June — which the Government took over three months to respond to. It brings together migrant communities from across the world living in the UK, including nurses, care workers, agricultural workers, delivery drivers, cleaners, hospitality workers, artists, students and refugees — many organising publicly for the first time.
Key Demands
The Coalition is calling for:
- An end to the Government’s human rights infringements against migrants and the “hostile environment” – ending all exclusionary and punitive immigration policies and practices including immigration raids
- Labour rights and protections (including from exploitation and retaliation) for all workers — regardless of immigration status
- Accessible regularisation and secure immigration status and shorter routes to settlement for all
- Equitable wages and safe working conditions
- Immediate reversal of the Government’s recent immigration measures and a halt to any further plans that strip rights from migrant workers and families
- An end to the rhetoric that dehumanises and scapegoats migrants
MWRC spokesperson statement:
“Across the country, migrant workers are standing up because they are suffering under a system designed to make them exploitable, removable, disposable, anxious and afraid. These new rules will push more people into precarity, danger and destitution. We are mobilising to say clearly: we will not be silent while our communities are attacked.
Migrant workers are integral members of society and need safety, dignity and full rights like everyone else. That is what creates strong communities, societies and economies.”
Event details
National Emergency Demonstration for Migrant Workers’ Rights
📅 Saturday 13 December
⏰ 12:00 PM
📍 Birmingham City Centre (Shabana Mahmood’s constituency). Assemble near St Martin’s Square, B5 4BW
A march towards RMC – Refugee and Migrant Centre on Frederick Street, passing Shabana Mahmood’s office, will be followed by a rally with speakers from migrant communities, trade unions, migrant justice organisations and supporters.
About the Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition
The Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition (MWRC) is a growing coalition of over 30 trade unions, migrant-led groups, front-line support and advice organisations, and policy and research bodies working collectively to protect and advance the rights of all migrant workers across the UK.
For media enquiries
Press release, interviews and further details:
Contact: Sunitha Dwarakanath
Email: sunitha@regularise.org
A short interview with a Coalition representative is available on request.