I provide care for your elders, your ancestors, and those closest to your heart.
I offer solace in times of fear, hold trembling hands, and provide comfort in the stillness of the night. I assist in regaining mobility, restoring appetites, and reviving spirits.
Being able to bring a smile after weeks of sadness is a daily occurrence for me. Every day, I dedicate a part of myself to those under my care because they deserve respect, empathy, and affection.
As a migrant caregiver, I take immense pride in the work I do. It is not just a job; it is a part of who I am.
Arriving in the UK as an asylum seeker, I sought safety and a fresh start. Beginning my career as a carer, I earned recognition, gratitude, and genuine acknowledgments from the individuals and families I assisted.
This validation fueled my determination and sense of purpose. However, I feel unnoticed by the nation I serve, overshadowed by my uniform, despite my daily commitment.
My work demands long, exhausting hours, and I fulfill my tax obligations like any other citizen. I earn everything through hard work, endurance, and compassion.
Despite my dedication, I sometimes hear derogatory labels like “burden” or “stranger” attached to workers like me. Yet, I rise before dawn to ensure another’s mother is cared for and stay beyond my shift to guarantee a family’s peace of mind.
I fill essential roles that others shy away from. The continued operation of care facilities and hospitals relies on our contributions, holding families together and impacting millions of lives. The proposal of a *15-year* waiting period for Indefinite Leave to Remain brings a deep sense of disappointment.
Fifteen years of unwavering service, sacrifices, and loyalty, and yet, the message remains, “You are not fully accepted.” We seek fairness, not special treatment, and recognition of our shared humanity.
We do not ask for accolades or privileges, only fairness and empathy. How can we be labeled a burden when we carry so much weight and provide invaluable support?
I desire stability, respect, and the opportunity to build a future without enduring prolonged waits for trust and acceptance. We, as migrant caregivers, are here to contribute, not to take, and hope for reciprocal care from the nation we serve.
My only wish is for the country I serve to recognize and support us as we continue to provide our unwavering care and dedication.