UK reforms Care Worker Visas with more restrictions for foreigners

LONDON – The United Kingdom has implemented strict measures aimed at discouraging net migration and addressing visa abuse, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to tackle unsustainable levels of legal migration.

Under the newly implemented law which is in effect from Monday, care workers will face restrictions on bringing dependents into the country. This move comes in response to data revealing that last year alone, 120,000 dependents accompanied 100,000 workers through this route.

In addition to these restrictions, care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants will now be compelled to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the regulatory body overseeing Health and Social Care. This measure aims to safeguard against exploitation and abuse of workers within the sector.

The government estimates that approximately 300,000 individuals eligible to migrate to the UK last year will no longer have that option under the revised regulations – a step which has also invited criticism from the rights groups.

Commenting on the law, Home Secretary James Cleverly MP emphasized the significant contribution of care workers to society. However, he stressed that action was imperative to address abuses within the immigration system and reduce migration numbers to sustainable levels.

Cleverly highlighted evidence indicating that care workers had been offered visas under false pretenses, often traveling long distances for nonexistent jobs or inadequate wages.

According to the Home Office, these changes coincide with forthcoming parliamentary rules aimed at preventing the undercutting of British workers, including raising the salary threshold for skilled workers and eliminating discounts for migrant workers in shortage occupations.

These strict and visibly ‘ant-immigration’ measures follow earlier reforms to student visas, which came into effect in January and restricted nearly all postgraduate students from bringing dependents to the UK.

Further adjustments include the abolition of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in favor of a new Immigration Salary List starting on April 4th. Additionally, the minimum salary requirement for skilled workers arriving on visas will increase by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700.

Family visa requirements will also see a rise, starting at £29,000 from April 11th and increasing to £38,700 by early 2025, ensuring that dependents brought into the UK are adequately supported financially.

It is to be highlighted that the government of Rishi Sunak came under fire repeatedly over escalating immigration numbers, prompting calls for a shift away from pro-immigration policies.