The Government has announced plans to end overseas recruitment for care workers later this year — a move that has sparked alarm across the adult social care sector, which has relied heavily on international staff to address ongoing labour shortages.
Policy Change Confirmed
The Health and Care Worker visa, introduced in 2022, allowed entry-level care workers from overseas to work in the UK. Since then, more than 100,000 individuals have entered the workforce through this route, helping to stabilise care services hit by high vacancy rates and limited domestic interest.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the policy shift last week, stating, “We will introduce reforms to reduce the reliance on overseas care workers. Migration has to be managed sustainably and fairly, and that includes focusing on opportunities for UK-based workers.”
While the government has not set an exact cut-off date, the change is expected to take effect later in 2025, with transitional protections for existing visa holders.
Strong Reactions from the Care Sector
Care sector leaders and unions have responded with deep concern. Many warn that the sector, already facing a vacancy rate of over 10%, will struggle to meet demand without access to international recruitment.
Christina McAnea, General Secretary of UNISON, said: “This is a reckless move. Ministers know care workers from overseas are propping up the sector. Turning off the tap will push care into absolute crisis.”
Similarly, the Independent Care Group’s chair, Mike Padgham, told Community Care: “We don’t have a big enough workforce in the UK. Without international recruitment, we’re going to be in serious trouble.”
According to Skills for Care, the number of international recruits into the adult social care sector rose from 20,000 in 2021 to over 70,000 in 2023, making up a significant proportion of new hires in residential and domiciliary settings.
Diversity at Risk?
The sector has long benefited from a diverse workforce, with carers from countries including Nigeria, the Philippines, India, and Ghana contributing significantly to care delivery across England. Stakeholders now warn that ending overseas recruitment could impact the cultural diversity of the workforce — and in turn, the quality of care delivered to service users from varied backgrounds.
In a statement, the Care Workers’ Charity expressed concern about the implications for equality: “This decision fails to recognise the value and richness that internationally recruited staff bring to care settings. Removing their presence could affect culturally competent care delivery.”
Government Response and Plans
The government has said it will prioritise building a domestic pipeline of care workers, supported by a proposed Fair Pay Agreement for the sector.
Yvette Cooper also confirmed: “We are working on plans to support better pay, improved conditions, and career pathways within social care. These are essential if we want to build a sustainable, high-quality workforce.”
The Department of Health and Social Care has stated that visa extensions and settlement routes for existing care workers will remain unaffected.
Looking Ahead
Many providers are now facing difficult choices as they prepare for the change. The National Care Forum has called for urgent investment in workforce development and reiterated that any transition must be phased to avoid destabilising an already fragile system.
Vic Rayner, Chief Executive of the National Care Forum, said: “Care providers need clarity, support, and time to adapt. A sudden shift without a proper domestic plan in place will place services and people at risk.”
With social care demand expected to rise further over the next decade, the government’s decision has ignited debate about how to balance immigration control with the urgent needs of an overstretched sector — and how to protect the diversity and quality of care that millions rely on daily.
Diversity Dashboard will continue to follow this developing story. To submit a response or view the consultation, visit the official government portal via GOV.UK.
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