“JAPA: UK Stops New Care Worker Visas in Bid to Cut Migration”

1. 🚨 What’s Happening?

From 22 July 2025, the UK has ceased issuing new Health & Care Worker visas to overseas care workers—effectively closing that route for new applicants .
This move is part of a larger immigration strategy outlined in the “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” white paper, which prioritizes reducing net migration and expanding local workforce training .

2. 🇬🇧 Why Did the UK Do This?

The policy specifically targets low‑paid jobs, including social care roles, to reduce immigration levels and curtail perceived abuse of visa sponsorship systems .
Current visa holders are not deported. They may extend or switch employers until 22 July 2028, under transitional rules .

3. 👥 Sector Impact: Staffing Crisis Deepens

Stakeholders warn the closure will intensify staffing shortages in care homes and elderly care—sectors already struggling before Brexit .
The Guardian notes around 130,000 vacancies, with demand expected to hit 540,000 new care workers by 2040—making this ban especially problematic .

4. 🧾 Diaspora Perspectives & Concerns

Nigerian care staff currently in the UK worry about delayed visa processing, family separation, and limited future routes.
Many view the policy as politically motivated rather than solutions-driven—especially harmful to vulnerable workers who have contributed for years.
Diaspora forums echo fears that this ban signals a closing door to low‑skilled migration and working-class opportunities into the UK.

5. 📌 What Is Still Allowed?

The UK continues to accept applications for registered nurses, senior medical professionals, and high‑skilled healthcare roles under the Skilled Worker visa route (degree-level qualification required) .
Other lower‑skilled roles may still be sponsored if listed in the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) or Immigration Salary List (ISL) until 31 December 2026, though they carry restrictions like no dependents allowed for new hires .

6. 💶 New Salary & Skill Thresholds

Sponsorship now requires roles at RQF Level 6 (degree) or higher. No more entry via RQF 3 (A‑level equivalent) for new applicants from July 2025 onward .
Minimum salary thresholds raised:

7. 📅 Transitional Timeline at a Glanc

Category	Date	Details
Entry clearance (new care workers)	22 July 2025	Closed for overseas applicants
In-country switching/extensions (current visa holders)	22 July 2028	Allowed if employed for 3+ months
Temporary Shortage (TSL) and ISL roles	31 Dec 2026	Sponsorship allowed until then
Higher thresholds	22 July 2025 onwards	RQF 6 and salary barriers apply

8. 🧭 Alternatives & Switching Routes

Affected migrants and employers may consider:

9. 🏛️ Political & Economic Backdrop

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s reforms are designed to cut net migration significantly—projects reducing inflows by nearly 100,000 per year by 2029–30 .
Critics argue these measures may backfire—deepening labor shortages and straining public services already under-resourced .

10. ✅ What Should the Diaspora Do Now?

Care workers already in the UK should confirm visa expiry and assess eligibility for extensions or switching sponsors before 2028.
Prospective migrants should look into Skilled Worker roles, healthcare professions, or international study options.
Employers should audit staffing needs, fast-track internal promotions, and improve pay/benefits to attract domestic talent.
Policy advocates should lobby to retain ethical regulation rather than outright bans that could harm both migrants and sectors needing support.

Photo Credit: Ai generated photo from Morgan Smith Immigration

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