The UK government has implemented new visa rules that restrict overseas care workers, including those from Nigeria, from bringing their dependant family members with them to the UK. The rules, which come into force this week, are part of broader measures designed to address unsustainable levels of legal migration and tackle exploitation within the care sector.
The decision follows concerns raised by the UK Home Office over the disproportionate number of dependants accompanying care workers on the visa route, with approximately 120,000 dependants accompanying 100,000 workers last year alone. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the need for action to combat abuse of the immigration system while ensuring fairness and sustainability.
Under the new rules, care providers acting as sponsors for migrants will be required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the industry regulator for Health and Social Care. This move aims to crack down on worker exploitation and abuse within the sector, while providing a more ethical and sustainable approach to recruitment.
Minister for Social Care Helen Whately underscored the importance of boosting the domestic workforce through reforms in social care careers, including the introduction of a national career path for care workers and a new care qualification. These reforms, she stated, will help grow the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on international recruitment.
Additionally, the Home Office outlined measures to prevent the undercutting of British workers, including raising the salary threshold for skilled workers and removing discounts for migrant workers in shortage occupations. These actions form part of a wider package of measures that will significantly reduce the number of people eligible to come to the UK.
Furthermore, Home Secretary Cleverly announced a review of the Graduate Route for international students to prevent abuse and protect the integrity of UK higher education. The review, to be conducted by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), aims to ensure that the Graduate Route remains focused on attracting the best and brightest students to the UK.
These changes come amidst broader adjustments to immigration policy, including increases in minimum salary requirements for skilled workers and family visas, signaling a significant shift in the UK’s approach to immigration and visa regulations.