The United Kingdom has officially stopped issuing new Health and Care Worker visas to foreign care workers, with the policy taking effect from Monday, July 22, 2025.

The decision marks a major shift in the government’s immigration policy and forms part of a strategy to reduce net migration, particularly in lower-wage sectors.

Previously, the visa route allowed thousands of foreign nationals, especially from developing countries, to work in the UK’s social care sector.

The visa, classified under SOC Code 6145 and listed on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List, granted applicants easier access through lower salary thresholds, reduced fees, and faster processing times.

With the new policy, these incentives have been withdrawn, and no further overseas applications will be accepted under the Health and Care Worker category.

Government officials say the change is aimed at boosting local employment and tackling misuse of the visa sponsorship system, which has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months.

According to reports by TravelBiz, the move reflects the UK’s intent to prioritise domestic labour and address loopholes that have allowed some employers and agents to exploit the system.

The Home Office insists the decision aligns with the country’s long-term economic and immigration goals.

However, care sector stakeholders are raising alarms, warning that the closure of the visa route could worsen the existing staffing crisis plaguing the country’s social care system.

Many organisations fear that the already overstretched workforce will struggle to cope without the influx of international recruits who have become vital to day-to-day operations.

Some industry leaders argue that foreign care workers have been instrumental in filling gaps that the domestic workforce has shown little interest or capacity to meet.

For those already in the UK on valid Health and Care Worker visas, the Home Office has confirmed that they will not face deportation and can continue working until their visas expire.

The report also noted that dependents already sponsored under the old rules will not be affected by the change.

It further noted that existing visa holders may still change employers if the new role meets the conditions tied to their current visa, and in some cases, they may be eligible to extend their stay under transitional rules.

While officials maintain that the new policy will protect UK jobs and restore integrity to the immigration system, critics argue it could deal a severe blow to an essential sector that is already under considerable strain. (BusinessDay, but headline rejigged)