UK Government Ends Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers: A Bold New Direction

In a significant policy shift, the UK government has announced the end of overseas recruitment for care workers. The newly released immigration white paper "Restoring Control over the Immigration System," signals a major change in how the UK plans to tackle both labour shortages in adult social care and how the government plans to address overall immigration levels. 

Background and Rationale 

The immigration white paper, presented to Parliament on 12 May 2025, stresses the need to better control immigration and implements substantial proposals to regain control. It identifies net migration levels as being too high and an overdependence on overseas workers, especially in the health and social care sector. The government cites recent revelations of exploitation and illegality within parts of the care sector as further justification for the policy, and also recognises the need to improve the attractiveness and sustainability of employment in the care sector to a UK domestic labour market. 

Key Points from the White Paper 

1. 1. Closure of Social Care Visa Route: Immediate closure of the social care visa route to new applications from abroad. A transition period will last until 2028, during which visa extensions and in-country switching will be permitted for those already in the UK with working rights. 
   2. Workforce Strategies: The government will implement comprehensive workforce strategies to address the underlying issues in the adult social care sector. These strategies will focus on improving pay, conditions and training to recruit and most importantly retain domestic workers.  
   3. Fair Pay Agreements: To tackle poor pay and working conditions, the government will introduce industry wide Fair Pay Agreements which will set minimum employment terms and conditions, empowering worker, employer and sector representatives to negotiate improvements. 
   4. Integration and Cohesion: The white paper emphasises the importance of fostering integration and community cohesion. New English language requirements will be introduced for both main applicants and their dependants to ensure better knowledge of English and support integration into local communities. 
   5. Earned Settlement and Citizenship: The government will reform settlement and citizenship rules, expanding the Points-Based System and increasing the standard qualifying period for settlement to ten years from five.  
   6. Increase of immigration skills charge: The government will be increasing the immigration skills charge of 32% and the capital raised from the charge will be used to invest in redistributing the funds to upskilling the domestic workforce in priority sectors, including social care. 

Statistical Evidence: The Need for More Migrant Workers in the Care Sector 

1. 1. High Vacancy Rates: As of early 2025, the adult social care sector in the UK has a vacancy rate of approximately 8%, indicating a significant shortage of workers. 
   2. Dependence on Migrant Workers: In 2024, around 40% of new recruits in the adult social care sector were from overseas, demonstrating the sector's reliance on migrant workers to fill critical roles. 
   3. Aging Population: The UK has an aging population, with the number of people aged 65 and above projected to increase by 20% throughout the next decade. This demographic shift is expected to increase the demand for care workers significantly. 
   4. Economic Contribution: Migrant workers contribute significantly to the UK economy. In 2023, migrant workers in the care sector contributed an estimated £3.2 billion to the economy through their work. 
   5. Recruitment Challenges: More than 60% of care providers reported difficulties in recruiting new staff in 2024, with many citing a lack of qualified domestic applicants as a major barrier. 

Please note that all statistics cited above are sourced from Statistics on Migrant Workers: ILOSTAT and Labor Migration Worldwide – Statista, as well as Care England.

Implications for Sponsors and Workers 

1. 1. Visa Extensions and Switching: Workers already in the UK on a care worker visa can still extend their stay, switch sponsors and apply for settlement. However, they need to be aware of the deadlines and requirements for these processes. 
   2. Sponsor License Risk: With increased scrutiny on care providers, there have been numerous license revocations. Sponsors must maintain strict compliance to avoid disruptions. 
   3. Settlement obtained from five to 10 years: This will substantially impact the amount of funds an employer may be required to pay towards sponsorship of their employees in an already struggling sector to continue their residence in the UK until settlement. 
   4. Higher immigration skills charge: This rise will add another hurdle to sponsorship in the UK as care homes may not be able to provide such considerable fees upfront.  

Recommendations 

• • • Stay Informed: Both sponsors and workers should keep up to date with the latest immigration rules and policies. 

• • • Ensure Compliance: Sponsors should reinforce internal processes to ensure they comply with all regulations and avoid license revocations. 

• • • Seek Advice: Workers should seek advice from immigration experts or legal advisors to navigate the changes effectively. 

The changes published in the immigration white paper reflect the government’s proposed changes only and are not binding by law yet. However, employers should be prepared to implement policies and procedures to incorporate the changes that may come into effect later in the year. 

Need to Know More? 

For questions regarding UK immigration updates, please contact Partner Siobhan Owers at [email protected] and Senior Associate Asif Hanif at [email protected].  

This blog was published on 13 May 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.