UK Prioritises Domestic Care Worker Recruitment Under New Immigration Rules

17Mar

Admin

New Rules Prioritising Domestic Recruitment for Care Workers in England

The UK government has introduced new immigration rules aimed at reducing reliance on overseas recruitment in the adult social care sector. The rules were laid in Parliament on 12 March 2025 and will take effect from 9 April 2025.

Under the new system, care providers in England must first attempt to recruit a worker who is already in the UK and seeking new sponsorship before hiring a new employee from overseas. This measure is part of the government's Plan for Change, designed to restore order to the immigration system, reduce dependency on migrant workers, and support domestic workforce growth.

Strengthening Immigration Rules in the Care Sector

The UK government has been working closely with the care sector to ensure high standards in immigration policies while also protecting workers from exploitation and visa abuse.

Key changes include:

Employers must prioritise hiring care workers already in the UK who require new sponsorship before recruiting from overseas.
Stricter enforcement against visa abuse and clamping down on exploitative employers.
Banning employers from charging migrant workers for sponsorship costs, ensuring fair treatment and financial protection for employees.

Since July 2022, more than 470 sponsor licences have been revoked due to abuse and exploitation in the care sector. Over 39,000 workers have been affected since October 2020.

Tackling Student Visa Abuse and Strengthening Border Security

The government is also introducing stricter rules for the Short-Term Student visa route.

The visa, designed for students taking English language courses lasting 6 to 11 months, has raised concerns due to abuse by individuals who do not intend to study or leave the UK upon completion of their course.
Caseworkers will now have expanded powers to refuse applications suspected of being non-genuine.

Government's Statement on Care Worker Reforms

Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, highlighted the importance of protecting care workers and ensuring fair hiring practices:

"Those who have come to the UK to support our adult care sector should have the opportunity to do so, free from abuse and exploitation. We are now going further, requiring employers in England to prioritise recruiting international care workers who are already here and seeking new sponsorship before recruiting from overseas."

Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, also emphasised the need to support the existing social care workforce:

"International care workers play a vital role in our social care workforce. As we crack down on rogue operators exploiting overseas workers, we must do all we can to get the victims back into rewarding careers in adult social care. Prioritising care workers who are already in the UK will reduce our reliance on international recruitment and strengthen our social care sector."

Updated Salary Thresholds for Skilled Workers

In addition to these changes, the government has announced updated salary thresholds for skilled worker visas to reflect the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.

Care workers on the Skilled Worker visa must now be paid a minimum of £12.82 per hour.
Health and education workers, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and teachers, will also see their minimum salary rates adjusted in line with the latest national pay scales.

Upcoming Immigration Policy Changes

The government is set to introduce additional measures to tighten controls on immigration, including reforms to the Student and Graduate visa routes. These measures aim to reduce legal migration numbers, addressing concerns about the high levels of immigration in recent years.

Further details will be outlined in the government’s forthcoming Immigration White Paper.

Conclusion

The new immigration rules mark a significant shift in UK recruitment policies, prioritising domestic workers in the care sector, tightening visa regulations, and cracking down on exploitation. Employers and care workers should prepare for these changes and ensure compliance with new sponsorship requirements.

For expert advice on UK immigration rules, visa applications, or employer sponsorship, contact Worldwide Immigration today.