The UK government has introduced strict visa regulations which prevent overseas care workers, including those from India, from bringing their dependent family members to the UK.
This move follows concerns raised by the UK Home Office over what it perceives as an imbalanced ratio of dependants accompanying care workers using the visa route. A staggering 120,000 dependants have accompanied 100,000 workers in the care sector just last year, according to the UK Government.
These changes come into force as the government is set to lay rules in Parliament later this week (14 March).
UK Home Secretary James Cleverly underscored the necessity of addressing abuse and manipulation within the immigration system, citing unsustainable migration figures as the impetus behind the new rules.
“Care workers make an incredible contribution to our society, taking care of our loved ones in times of need. But we cannot justify inaction in the face of clear abuse, manipulation of our immigration system, and unsustainable migration numbers,” said UK Home Secretary James Cleverly.
“It is neither right nor fair to allow this unacceptable situation to continue. We promised the British people action, and we will not rest until we have delivered on our commitment to bring numbers down substantially. Our plan is robust but fair – protecting British workers while ensuring the very best international talent can work and study here, to add value to our society and grow the economy,” he said.
REGISTRATION MANDATE FOR CARE PROVIDERS
Care providers in England sponsoring migrants are now mandated to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates Health and Social Care. This measure, according to the government, aims to prevent the exploitation and abuse of workers in these sectors.
Helen Whately, Minister for Social Care, stressed the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to the social care sector, emphasising ongoing reforms designed to bolster the domestic workforce and provide structured career paths and qualifications for care workers.
The Home Office pointed to instances of visa misuse, where care workers were lured with non-existent job offers or offered salaries below the mandated minimum wage, resulting in the undercutting of British workers.
To address these concerns, the UK government will prevent the ongoing undercutting of British workers.
This involves increasing the salary threshold required for skilled worker visas and eliminating the 20% “going-rate” discount for migrant workers in shortage occupations.
These regulatory changes are part of a broader strategy to curtail immigration, with approximately 300,000 fewer individuals deemed eligible to enter the UK compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, The UK Home Secretary announced on Monday the initiation of a review of the Graduate Route for international students. This review aims to prevent misuse, safeguard the integrity and quality of UK higher education, and prioritise the interests of the UK.
Under plans announced last year, James Cleverly will formally commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to ensure that demand for the Graduate Route, through which a total of 175,872 visas have been granted since it was established, is “fit for purpose and focused on attracting the best and brightest to the UK”.
Last year, Indian nationals constituted the largest portion of students receiving this visa, accounting for 43% of grants. They utilise this visa to remain in the UK and acquire work experience for a minimum of two years following their degree completion.
However, there’s a 4% drop in applications from Indian students to UK universities for courses this year, reveals UCAS data. The decrease comes amid a tweak in rules allowing foreign students from bringing family members to the UK.
The review of the post-study route aligns with recent adjustments to student visas, which began in January, prohibiting most post-graduate students from bringing dependants to the UK.
Additionally, starting April 4, the minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas will rise from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700, a 48% increase. Family visa income requirements will also escalate, starting at GBP 29,000 from April 11 and reaching GBP 38,700 by early 2025.