What this indicator measures

This indicator assesses how well migrant care workers are protected through legislation, enforcement, workplace rights and access to support. It considers immigration systems, employer practices, pathways for reporting concerns and the extent to which policy design addresses the specific risks experienced by migrant workers.

Key findings

• Migrant workers’ rights are shaped primarily by UK immigration and employment law – the points-based immigration system has been said to create a hostile national policy environment for migrant workers
• Visa conditions often tie workers to a specific employer, limiting their ability to report abuse or move to safer employment
• Workers in informal or insecure arrangements face heightened vulnerability
• Enforcement systems are under resourced and rely heavily on employer compliance, reducing effective oversight
• Scotland has legislation to prevent trafficking and exploitation, but broader workplace protections are inconsistent and a lack of service provision for displaced workers, leaves workers who fall out of employment in an incredibly vulnerable position of destitution, abuse and exploitation
• Lack of disaggregated data makes it difficult to understand the experiences of migrant women working in care
• Budget constraints severely limit capacity to monitor rights and support those facing exploitation

Impact on workers

Migrant workers are in an exceptionally vulnerable position within current policy frameworks. There is need for significant further work to create an environment that is supportive of and offers protection to migrant workers.

Accessibility considerations

Limited access to independent advice and fear linked to immigration status all reduce migrant workers’ ability to exercise their rights. Workers with irregular contracts or informal employment arrangements may not be covered by key protections. These gaps magnify inequalities for migrant women.

Budget context

Budgets for enforcement and monitoring are limited at both UK and Scottish levels. Scotland’s spending on victim and witness support includes work related to trafficking, but does not provide dedicated funding for broader migrant worker protections. Under resourcing reduces effectiveness in identifying, preventing and responding to exploitation.

Overall interpretation

Migrant care workers face significant structural barriers to secure employment, equal rights and safe working conditions. While Scotland has taken steps to prevent trafficking and exploitation, broader protections remain limited by UK wide immigration and employment systems. Without stronger enforcement, dedicated resources and rights that allow workers to challenge unsafe or unfair treatment, many migrant workers will continue to face high levels of vulnerability and risk.