ICYMI – Government reforms on visa applications cause huge concern for the sector

On 12 May 2025, the UK government announced the termination of the Health and Care Worker visa route for new overseas applicants in adult social care, aiming to reduce net migration and address exploitation concerns. This decision follows reports of abuse, including instances where workers arrived to find non-existent jobs or faced unfair treatment. Since 2022, over 470 care providers have had their sponsorship licences revoked, displacing approximately 40,000 workers. The government plans to offer these displaced workers opportunities to re-join the workforce, while also focusing on training domestic talent for the sector. (Community Care)

Care England has expressed deep concern over this sudden policy shift, highlighting that the adult social care sector currently faces around 131,000 vacancies. International recruitment has been vital in maintaining staffing levels, and the abrupt end to this pipeline, without a viable domestic alternative, risks exacerbating workforce shortages. The organisation also notes that international recruits have a lower turnover rate (30%) compared to domestic recruits (41.1%), suggesting their crucial role in workforce stability.

While the government cites future reforms, such as the Fair Pay Agreement and the Employment Rights Bill, as long-term solutions, Care England argues these initiatives are years away from implementation and lack sufficient funding. The organisation warns that the decision may reinforce negative perceptions of care work as "low-skilled," further hindering domestic recruitment efforts. Overall, Care England views the policy change as a political gesture that fails to address the underlying issues in the social care sector, potentially leading to increased strain on providers and jeopardising care for thousands.

Read the full report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/overseas-recruitment-for-care-workers-to-end

Check out Care England’s article here: https://www.careengland.org.uk/from-crisis-to-collapse-care-england-express-concern-over-sudden-end-to-overseas-recruitment/