Reforms to restrict care workers from bringing family members are now in force.
In a decisive move to address soaring levels of legal migration, the United Kingdom has initiated the implementation of stringent regulations aimed at curbing net migration and combating visa abuse.
Under the new rules, which are now in force, care workers will no longer be permitted to bring dependents, following an alarming statistic of 120,000 dependents accompanying 100,000 workers on this route last year.
Furthermore, care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants will be mandated to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the industry regulator for health and social care, in a proactive measure to crack down on worker exploitation and abuse within the sector.
A statement from the Home Office reveals that these changes are part of a comprehensive package of measures, with immediate effect. This move translates to a significant reduction, as 300,000 individuals eligible to come to the UK in 2023 will now face restrictions.
These pivotal changes will be presented in Parliament on Wednesday, March 14, as the government aims to prevent the continuous undercutting of British workers. The strategy includes raising the salary threshold for skilled workers to obtain a visa and eliminating the twenty percent going-rate discount for migrant workers in shortage occupations.
Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the necessity for action, stating, “We promised the British people action, and we will not rest until we have delivered on our commitment to bring numbers down substantially.”
Cleverly stressed that the plan is robust yet fair, aiming to protect British workers while allowing the best international talent to contribute to the UK’s society and economic growth.
As part of these measures, the Home Secretary will commission a review of the graduate route for international students to prevent abuse, protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education, and ensure it aligns with the best interests of the UK.
Minister for Social Care, Helen Whately, asserted that while international care workers make invaluable contributions, international recruitment and increased immigration are not long-term solutions. The new rules offer a more ethical and sustainable approach, complemented by reforms in social care careers, including the first-ever national career path for care workers and a new care qualification.
Effective April 4, the minimum salary required for those arriving on the skilled worker visa will witness a substantial 48% increase from £26,200 to £38,700. The government contends that this raise will further decrease migration numbers, alleviate pressure on public services, and prevent the undercutting of British workers by employers seeking inexpensive labor from overseas. The emphasis will be on attracting the most talented and highly-skilled individuals who can significantly contribute to the growth of the economy. This shift aims to encourage employers to invest in training, upskilling, and recruiting domestic workers.
