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June 2, 2025

by Aemulator Admin

UK government announcement; immigration policy

The UK government has announced significant changes to its immigration policy, particularly affecting the recruitment of care workers from abroad. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration and address exploitation within the care sector.

Key Changes to Care Worker Recruitment

• Prioritizing Domestic Recruitment: From April 9, 2025, care providers in England must demonstrate efforts to recruit international care workers already residing in the UK before hiring from overseas. This measure aims to support those who have lost sponsorship due to employer non-compliance and to reduce dependency on new overseas hires.
• Increased Salary Requirements: The minimum hourly wage for newly sponsored care workers will rise to £12.82, aligning with efforts to ensure fair compensation and deter exploitation. Existing sponsored staff must be paid at least £12.21 per hour, in line with the National Minimum Wage increase.
• Restrictions on Dependants: As of March 2024, care workers are no longer permitted to bring family members to the UK. This policy change led to an 83% drop in health and care worker visa applications between April and August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
• Crackdown on Exploitative Practices: The government has revoked over 470 sponsor licenses in the care sector since July 2022 due to abuses, affecting more than 39,000 workers. Employers found guilty of serious offenses, such as underpaying staff or charging illegal fees, will face bans on hiring overseas workers.

Broader Immigration Reforms

These changes are part of a comprehensive immigration overhaul unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The reforms aim to reduce net migration by approximately 100,000 annually and include:

• Extended Settlement Period: The pathway to settlement and citizenship will be extended from five to ten years, unless migrants make significant contributions to the UK economy or society.
• Higher Qualification Thresholds: Work visas will now require degree-level qualifications, limiting access for many foreign workers.
• Increased English Language Requirements: All adult dependents of incoming workers or students must demonstrate basic English proficiency.
• Reduced Post-Study Work Period: International students will face a reduced post-study period of 18 months and a 6% levy on tuition fees.