Government is ‘aware’ of suspicious reports from care providers as visa crackdown on foreign workers begins

Downing Street said it was “aware” of reports that suspected care providers may be trying to exploit new visa rules for foreign workers that come into force today (Monday).

The Home Office will “closely monitor” how the new rules will affect the UK care industry, following criticism that the industry will struggle to fill roles if fewer staff come from overseas. ” said Number 10.

From March 11, healthcare workers will be restricted from bringing family members to the UK, and care providers will be required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if they support migrant workers in the UK.

However, after just a few months of existence, hundreds of licenses have reportedly been granted to companies with no track record of providing care, raising concerns that fake companies may be sponsoring visas.

More than 250 companies that have not been inspected by the CQC are also believed to have been given licenses to sponsor workers from overseas.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said on Monday: “The measures introduced today will ensure that care providers supporting migrant care workers will need to register.”

“We are aware of these reports, which is why we are cracking down on worker exploitation and visa abuse and non-compliance in this sector.”

He added: “The Home Office will monitor the measures. From today, care workers will no longer be able to bring their dependents with them, and the Government has made clear that immigration is not a long-term solution to social care needs. Care providers should hire more British workers.

“These changes, along with changes to ensure that sponsored migrant care workers are registered with the Care Quality Commission, will help clamp down on worker exploitation.”

A record number of foreign health and care workers were granted UK visas last year, government figures have revealed.

Approximately 146,477 applicants were granted health visa entry in 2023, but the number rose to 349,929 when dependents were taken into account.

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New higher wage standards for skilled workers are set to come into force next month.

The government hopes new visa rules will reduce immigration to the UK to record levels.

However, concerns are being voiced about the impact this crackdown will have on businesses, particularly in the nursing care and hospitality industries.

The policy has been criticized by opposition politicians, including Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor said the proposals would “further weaken this vital sector and place further strain on our already strained NHS and social care systems”.