The UK government has introduced its toughest immigration rules in decades, immediately banning all new foreign care workers from being hired while giving existing overseas care staff until 2028 to either leave or qualify under stricter visa requirements. The dramatic changes, announced in a new 82-page immigration policy, aim to force employers to recruit and train British workers instead of relying on foreign labor, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declaring “the era of cheap overseas labor is over.” Alongside the care sector ban, the reforms significantly raise salary thresholds for skilled worker visas, remove special exceptions for shortage occupations, and introduce tougher English language requirements – all designed to slash net migration from its current record high of 745,000 people per year.
The move comes despite warnings from care providers that it could collapse the already struggling sector, where 1 in 6 workers are currently foreign nationals filling critical vacancies. Under the new system, businesses across all industries will need to demonstrate they’ve made genuine efforts to hire British workers before being allowed to sponsor overseas employees, with the government vowing to triple fines for rule-breakers.
Key Changes Taking Effect
▪️ Total Ban on new foreign care workers starting immediately
▪️ 4-Year Phaseout for existing overseas care staff (until 2028)
▪️ Higher Pay Requirements for all skilled worker visas
▪️ Stricter English Tests across multiple visa categories
▪️ No More Exceptions for shortage occupation listings
Why This Matters Now
► Care sector warns of “disaster” with 152,000 current vacancies
► Businesses must document UK recruitment efforts before hiring abroad
► Government targets cutting net migration by 300,000 annually
► Comes after record immigration numbers strained public services
What Comes Next?
- Care providers scramble to train British workers by 2028 deadline
- New visa rules for other sectors begin October 2024
- Increased employer fines and compliance checks expected
