Important Updates
Important Updates
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

July 1, 2025

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

siobhan_owers

Siobhan Owers

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9132

Asif-Hanif

Asif Hanif

Senior Associate

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2092

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

siobhan_owers

Siobhan Owers

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9132

Asif-Hanif

Asif Hanif

Senior Associate

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2092

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

siobhan_owers

Siobhan Owers

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9132

Asif-Hanif

Asif Hanif

Senior Associate

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2092

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Siobhan Owers, Asif Hanif

Today marks a significant day for the UK care sector with the publication of the latest statement of changes to the Immigration Rules. These changes, set to take effect on July 22, 2025, aim to fundamentally transform the landscape of care work in the UK.

This blog explores a deep dive of these changes, along with expected developments for the care sector.

Notable changes

      1. Strengthening the UK care workforce with domestic talent: This will be achieved by ending overseas recruitment for care workers. While this may appear to be a significant cost in the pursuit of prioritizing domestic talent—already strained by workforce shortages and limited resources—the rationale behind this decisive measure is to curb immigration abuse and prevent human exploitation, both of which are increasingly pressing concerns, particularly within the UK care sector. According to an article in the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, written by Aine Fox from The Independent (UK) more than 39,000 care workers were sponsored since October 2020 under the health care visa route whose licences were later revoked.
      2. Applying robust visa regulations: Stricter rules will be introduced to tackle exploitation. This includes employers prioritising foreign care workers already residing in the UK during recruitment. Further, the salary threshold under the health care visa has recently risen from £23,200.00 to £25,000.00.
      3. SOC 6135 and 6136 will be removed from the shortage list on 22 July 2028. Until this time, continuity of employment will be upheld. This period of employment can then be relied on for subsequent settlement applications.

Amidst these significant changes, there are indeed some positive and reassuring developments. These primarily fall within the transitional arrangements outlined in the Government’s announcement.

Key highlights

      1. Migrant workers already in the UK will be allowed to continue their employment with their current sponsor. The changes in the rules will not have any immediate direct impact on these individuals.
      2. Those already in the UK will also be able to apply for visa extensions under the existing rules for the duration of their visa.
      3. Migrant workers already in the UK , provided they satisfy the eligibility for settlement, will be entitled to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK after five years of lawful residence.

What can the care sector expect now?

Employers will need to brace themselves with the upcoming changes. The ability to fill vacancies is expected to become increasingly challenging, potentially resulting in a shortage of experienced care workers. According to The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey for April 2025, 71% of provider locations reported difficulties in recruiting staff. Domiciliary care settings faced greater challenges, with 74% finding recruitment difficult compared to 66.7% in residential care settings.

With the Home Secretary’s statement to invest in skills and training in the UK, this will undoubtedly lead to increased costs for employers in this sector. 

How should employers prepare for these changes?

It is without question that the care sector will be undergoing some robust changes following the publication of the latest statement of changes. It is now more important than ever for employers to act decisively. This includes prioritising domestic recruitment and investing in training programmes.

Need to know more?

Fragomen can help you and your business prepare for these upcoming changes by assisting you with your long-term work force planning. To find out more about our services, please contact Partner Siobhan Owers at [email protected] and Senior Associate Asif Hanif at [email protected].

This blog was published on 1 July 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

siobhan_owers

Siobhan Owers

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9132

Asif-Hanif

Asif Hanif

Senior Associate

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2092

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

siobhan_owers

Siobhan Owers

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9132

Asif-Hanif

Asif Hanif

Senior Associate

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2092

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

siobhan_owers

Siobhan Owers

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9132

Asif-Hanif

Asif Hanif

Senior Associate

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 114 289 2092

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.