The UK’s “right to work” policy masks a harsher reality: invisible barriers, discriminatory hiring, and wasted talent among migrant women on dependent visas, whose expertise is too often dismissed.
by Zohreh Allami
When people usually talk about the “right to work”, they feel empowered and free. But for migrants and their spouses in the UK, the term often carries a heavy burden of frustration and uncertainty rather than power.
In January 2025, Mrs Seda Vakili came to the UK with her husband who is an international student, as a dependent. With a master’s degree from a prestigious Iranian university and several years of management experience, Mrs Vakili decided to find a job related to her expertise.
However, after several months of trying to find a job, she could not find anything. It was then that she came to the conclusion that although the “right to work” for a student dependent seems clear and legal on paper, in practice, its application was limited.
But I realised soon that the ‘right to work’ in practice is different from what is written in the law. An invisible, but solid, wall is an obstacle to my way and that of many women who have come like me”.
Vakili told Migrant Women Press that when she and her husband decided to immigrate to the UK, she had made it clear to her husband that she would be allowed to work full-time as a student dependent.
Vakili further said: “Our friend who has been living in England for a few years, confidently said, ‘The specialised labour market here is good, if you have confidence and persist, you can find the job you want’. These words gave me hope, and I entered the labour market with a positive mindset. But I realised soon that the ‘right to work’ in practice is different from what is written in the law. An invisible, but solid, wall is an obstacle to my way and that of many women who have come like me”.
Silence instead of opportunity
After about 20 days of arriving, Vakili sent out her CV on LinkedIn, Indeed, Total Jobs, and another platform. “Days and weeks passed, and I did not receive any Emails. No official rejection, no interview invitation, just absolute silence,” she said.
She wondered, and her mind was filled with thousands of questions: “Where did I go wrong? Is there a problem with my resume? Or does the labour market not trust me at all, even though I have a dependent visa?”
When visas overshadow skills
In a conversation with Vakili, she said one of her most painful discoveries was that the type of visa plays a pivotal role in whether a job application is accepted or rejected.
She said: “When the visa is long-term and secure, such as a work visa or permanent residence, the chances of getting a specialised job are higher”.
But as a student’s dependent, with a limited visa, I feel like I am being seen as a risk-taker. In many job interviews, instead of focusing on my skills and abilities, they ask personal questions about my husband and his visa: what does he study? How long will he be here?”
She further continues to say: “As though my future career depends on the type of my visa, and has little to do with the level of knowledge and skills I have. In fact, my limited visa has made employers unwilling to even conduct a simple interview to assess my capabilities.”
I have several years of professional experience, a master’s degree. But here I had to change my position, which made me look like a junior.
In Iran, Vakili was a Senior Manager. “I have several years of professional experience, a master’s degree. But here I had to change my position, which made me look like a junior. Why? Because I say I have 7 years of experience, the employer does not believe it or does not want to believe it.
This is a hurtful contradiction; I can show what I know in an interview, but getting to the interview stage is a battle in itself,” she added.
The Empty Promise of the ‘Right to Work’ And Brain Waste in Britain’s Job Market
Legal permission for full-time work for spouses is just a start, but without support mechanisms, such as clear feedback from employers, training them on dependent visas and migrant skills, and specific career guides, this right becomes an empty promise.
“I, and many women like me, are not just looking for employment, but also for respect that recognises our skills and expertise,” Vakilli said.
A 2021 study examined the employment situation of highly educated immigrant women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, analysing the perspectives of employment service professionals in five European countries, including the UK.
I, and many women like me, are not just looking for employment, but also for respect that recognises our skills and expertise.
The findings show that despite their expertise and education, this group of immigrants often face serious barriers to entering the job market. The most important barriers include insufficient technical language skills, lack of career networks, discrimination, and non-recognition of qualifications.
The study shows that the lack of effective support not only leads to reduced job opportunities for these women but may also lead to brain waste. The researchers called for targeted training of employment services to better respond to the needs of this group.
What migrant women really need to succeed
It is essential to create a transparent feedback system that informs job seekers why their applications have been rejected. Educating employers about visa types and the capabilities of students can prevent unnecessary discrimination and provide equal opportunities.
Furthermore, designing credible and practical pathways to assess professional skills without relying solely on formal foreign qualifications will allow immigrant women to demonstrate their true abilities and find more suitable job opportunities.
On the other hand, dependent women, who often play the role of family breadwinners, require special psychological and financial support. Targeted support structures and counselling programs can reduce psychological pressures and increase their motivation to enter and remain in the labour market.
Furthermore, designing credible and practical pathways to assess professional skills without relying solely on formal foreign qualifications will allow immigrant women to demonstrate their true abilities and find more suitable job opportunities.
Overall, these measures will not only help promote social justice but will also empower migrant women and improve their quality of life.
“For us, migration is not just a geographical movement; here our identity, expertise, and rights are tested. When I, a woman who was once a project manager, am forced to present myself as less than I am, it means that the right to work without support is just a lifeless piece of paper,” Vakili said.
“If Britain wants to have a humane and fair immigration system, it must not only pass the law, but also support it in practice; give us a real chance and stand behind us.”
Zohreh Allami is a Master’s student in Management with Communication at the University of Huddersfield. Originally from Iran, she holds a degree in journalism and brings over 13 years of experience reporting on economic, social, and political issues.
