Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers to End
- Details
- Written by: Khalid Khokhar
Ending care worker visas from abroad: What the May 2025 White Paper says about international recruitment and what it means for the UK care sector.
In a significant move announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the UK government has confirmed plans to end overseas recruitment for care workers as part of its 2025 Immigration White Paper.
This change aims to tackle the rising concerns over exploitation and abuse in the social care sector and to reduce historically high levels of net migration. While international care workers have played a vital role in supporting the UK's care system, many have unfortunately faced unfair treatment, including debt, broken job promises, and exploitative working conditions.
Table of Contents
Why Is Overseas Recruitment Being Stopped?
Since 2022, over 470 UK care providers have had their sponsor licences suspended, largely due to misconduct and non-compliance with immigration rules. As a result, around 40,000 international care workers have been displaced, many of whom are now ready to re-enter the workforce legally.
The new plan will end any future recruitment of care workers from overseas, while focusing on training UK-based workers and reforming the care system for long-term stability.
What Happens to Care Workers Already in the UK?
If you're an international care worker already living and working in the UK legally, there's good news:
- You can continue working and extend your visa.a
- You may switch to a new sponsor if your current employer loses their licence.
- You will still be eligible to apply for settlement in the UK under existing rules.
This ensures that those who followed the legal route to support the UK care sector are not penalised unfairly.
What's Being Done to Protect Care Workers?
The government is also introducing fair pay agreements in the social care sector, aiming to give workers and employers a platform to negotiate better wages and conditions. In addition, the Care Workforce Pathway, expanded earlier this year, is designed to professionalise and strengthen the UK's adult social care workforce.
What's Next for UK Social Care?
Alongside immigration reform, Baroness Casey is launching an independent commission into the future of adult social care in the UK. This long-term review is seen as a "once-in-a-generation" chance to reshape the sector and reduce dependence on overseas labour.
What Should You Do If You're Affected?
If you are a care worker, these changes could affect your future in the UK. At Wembley Solicitors, our experienced immigration lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and prepare for any upcoming changes to UK immigration law.
For expert legal advice on how these changes may impact you or your organisation, get in touch with our team at Wembley Solicitors. Call us on 0203 417 3700 or contact us online today.
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