TRADE unionists, migrant workers and students will gather in the Houses of Commons, Committee Room 12 on June 15 to demand a fairer immigration system and challenge government plans that could leave many migrants waiting decades for permanent status.

The parliamentary lobby, organised by the Indian Workers Association (GB) and the Students Federation of India UK, coincides with the publication of a new report, Challenging Injustice: For Fair Anti-Racist Immigration and Nationality Laws in Britain.

Drawing on evidence from migrant workers and international students across the country, the report paints a troubling picture of rising costs, growing insecurity and barriers to building a life in Britain.

Campaigners are particularly concerned by proposals to replace the current five-year route to settlement with an “earned settlement” model. Under the plans, many migrants could face waits of 10, 15 or even 20 years before qualifying for permanent residence.

The report argues that the changes would hit lower-paid workers hardest, including staff in the NHS, social care, logistics, hospitality and retail.

While these workers continue to fill essential roles across the economy, they would face longer routes to security and greater dependence on employer sponsorship.

The changes would also affect university researchers and junior teachers on fixed-term or other non-permanent contracts, many of whom face similar barriers to achieving long-term security despite making vital contributions to education and research.

The findings are based on a survey carried out by the Indian Workers Association (GB) and Students Federation of India UK during May 2026. Around 60 per cent of respondents reported difficulties with visa applications or settlement processes.

More than four in 10 said visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge costs were a major financial burden.

The survey also found that nearly 35 per cent had experienced discrimination in employment or housing, while 40 per cent faced housing barriers linked to their immigration status.

Almost 70 per cent said immigration policies had significantly affected their mental wellbeing.

Respondents spoke of anxiety about the future, financial pressure and long periods of separation from family members.

Some also described feeling trapped in sponsorship arrangements that made it difficult to challenge poor treatment at work.

Campaigners warn that extending settlement routes and increasing costs could make existing staff shortages worse in sectors such as health and social care. They also argue that tougher rules risk driving away talented graduates and skilled workers who have studied and worked in Britain.

The lobby will call on MPs to protect the five-year route to settlement, reduce visa and healthcare charges, strengthen protections against exploitation and discrimination, and safeguard opportunities for international students after graduation.

Organisers are urging trade unionists, community groups, students and anti-racist campaigners to attend and show solidarity with migrant communities. They say it is vital that MPs hear directly from those affected by immigration policies and understand the realities behind the statistics.

Speakers at the lobby will share their experiences of navigating the immigration system and explain how rising costs, delays and uncertainty affect everyday life. Organisers hope these testimonies will help build support for a system based on fairness, equality and respect for all who live and work in Britain.

For the Indian Workers Association (GB) and SFI UK, the issue goes beyond immigration policy alone. They argue that attempts to divide workers by nationality weaken everyone. Their message to Parliament is simple: workers deserve security, dignity and equal treatment, regardless of where they were born.

The June 15 lobby will bring those demands directly to Westminster and give migrant workers and students the opportunity to make their voices heard.