The UK Government is implementing new measures aimed at reducing reliance on overseas recruitment and addressing record levels of immigration.
Key among these changes is an increase in the minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas, rising from £23,200 to £25,000 per year starting in April, reflecting the minimum wage hike.
The Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, emphasized the essential role of international care workers in the social care sector, acknowledging their contributions to supporting vulnerable individuals.
He stated the importance of prioritizing care workers already in the UK, which would help reduce dependence on international recruitment and ensure the social care sector is adequately staffed.
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Additionally, the Government is tightening regulations on the short-term student visa route due to concerns about potential abuses.
The Home Office noted a rise in applications where individuals do not genuinely plan to study or leave the UK afterward.
Since the introduction of stricter immigration rules, application numbers have significantly declined, with nearly 400,000 fewer foreign work or study visa applications received.
From April to December 2024, visa applications fell to 547,000, down from 942,500 in the same timeframe in 2023, marking a 42% drop. Notably, applications for health and care worker visas plummeted by 79%, indicating substantial challenges in attracting overseas talent in these critical sectors.
