UK Hits Hard On Net Migration Reduction As New Rules Tighten On Care Workers

The UK is set to prohibit the recruitment of care workers from abroad as new immigration policies are introduced.

According to UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the government will eliminate the care worker visa pathway as part of measures to significantly reduce net migration.

In an interview with Trevor Phillips on Sky News’ Sunday Morning program, Yvette Cooper stated that the government plans to implement new restrictions on lower-skilled workers, aiming to decrease the number of low-skilled foreign workers by approximately 50,000 this year.

She remarked, “We are going to establish new visa regulations for lower-skilled workers because our focus should be on higher-skilled migration and enhancing training within the UK.”

Additionally, she confirmed that the care worker visa for overseas recruitment would be discontinued.

This announcement was also posted on the UK government website.

“Plans will be unveiled on Monday (12 May) to halt any further overseas recruitment,” the Home Office noted.

This decision comes ahead of the Immigration White Paper, which will be presented this week and provide further information regarding the government’s reforms.

Care England, a charity advocating for independent care services, characterised Ms. Cooper’s statements as a “devastating blow to an already vulnerable sector” and claimed the government “is adding to our difficulties.”

Its CEO, Martin Green, indicated that international recruitment is essential and highlighted the “growing number of vacancies” in the industry.

It has also been revealed that the government intends to evaluate foreign criminals for deportation should they commit any offences in the UK.

Here’s a recap;

• A new 10-year settlement route, replacing the five-year norm – with fast-track options for workers in sectors like health, AI, and engineering.
• A contributions-based model rewarding economic value and civic participation.
• Stricter English requirements, extended to all adult dependants – including spouses.
• Cuts to legal migration routes, including visas for overseas care workers, student dependents and lower-paid roles not deemed “strategic”.
• A digital immigration status system to monitor overstaying and support enforcement.