At SEEWA (Southeast Asian Women’s Association), we are closely following Spain’s landmark decision to regularize up to 300,000 migrants annually through 2027. This bold policy recognizes a fundamental truth: migration is not a burden; it is a vital economic engine.
While Spain leads the way in Europe, the conversation here in the UK often overlooks the data on how much our community contributes to the nation’s stability and success.
The UK’s Growing Labor Gap
The UK is currently navigating a significant workforce transition. Despite a cooling in overall vacancies, critical sectors remain in a “participation crisis” that only migration can solve:
- NHS & Social Care: Around one in five NHS workers in England hold a non-British nationality (approx. 325,000 staff). In the adult social care sector, the recent 65% drop in visa grants has left providers scrambling to fill 100,000+ vacancies.
- The Growth Engine: Forecasts suggest that almost all UK employment growth—over a million new jobs—must be driven by migration to offset an aging domestic population.
- High-Demand Sectors: Vacancies in transport, logistics, and “green” engineering continue to outpace domestic supply, with sustainable recruitment needs rising 48% over the last five years.
A Net Gain for the Public Purse
The myth that migrants are a drain on public services is debunked by fiscal reality. According to recent reports from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and the OBR:
- £47 Billion Impact: The 2022/23 cohort of Skilled Worker visa holders alone is estimated to have a present-value net fiscal contribution of £47 billion over their lifetime.
- Taxation vs. Use: Most migrants arrive in their 20s and 30s—the “golden age” for fiscal contribution. They pay into the system for decades before requiring the high-cost healthcare or pension support associated with older age.
- Refugee Contributions: Even within humanitarian routes, expedited work rights could contribute an estimated £266,000 per person to the UK economy over 12.5 years through taxes and increased productivity.
The SEEWA Perspective: Dignity is Non-Negotiable
For the Southeast Asian women we represent, “regularization” and “visa security” mean more than just a job. It means the right to work without fear of exploitation, the ability to reunite with families, and the freedom to invest in their local UK communities.
Spain has shown that political courage can align with economic sense. It is time the UK narrative shifts from “policing borders” to “powering the economy.” When we empower migrant women, we strengthen the entire country.
Join the Movement: Our Call to Action
We believe that policy change starts with a change in perspective. SEEWA is launching a Policy Discussion Forum to gather stories and data from our members to present to local MPs.
How you can get involved:
- Share Your Story: If you are a migrant worker in the UK, how has your work contributed to your local community? DM us or email us at info@seewa.org.