New Regulations in the Immigration System

New Rules Introduced to Prioritize the Recruitment of Care Workers in England

New recruitment rules for the care sector in England were presented to Parliament on 12 March. These new regulations make it mandatory for care providers to prioritize hiring international care workers already in England before recruiting from abroad. These rules, which will come into effect as of 9 April, require employers to prove that they have first attempted to hire workers who need new sponsorship in England. This step will allow individuals who come to England to work to continue their careers in the country and aims to end dependence on recruiting workers from abroad as part of efforts to bring order to the immigration system.

Important Work Being Done to Ensure High Standards in the Immigration System

In addition to government efforts that include redirecting care workers to other job areas and providing support to these workers in case their sponsors' licences are revoked, changes are also anticipated in other visa routes to ensure high standards in the immigration system. One of these changes is the tightening of the Short-Term Student Visa route. Although the Short-Term Student Visa is designed for those who want to take an English language course in England for 6 to 11 months, concerns have increased that this route is being abused by people without genuine educational intent who do not intend to leave England after completing the course. In response to these concerns, the authority of officials to reject visa applications when applications are not genuine has been expanded.

Stricter Measures Continue Against Employers Abusing the Visa System

The strict measures announced in November by the government against employers who abuse the visa system are continuing without slowing down. Companies that consistently violate immigration or labour laws have been banned from recruiting workers from abroad. This measure aims to support workers in England transitioning to new jobs and prevent unfair worker exploitation. According to these regulations, companies are also prohibited from passing the cost of sponsorship onto their employees. This practice stands out as an important step towards preventing exploitation of workers, unfair treatment, and unsustainable levels of debt in the sector.

Sponsorship Licences Revoked and Updates Made to Minimum Wage Thresholds

Between July 2022 and December 2024, the UK government revoked more than 470 sponsor licences in the care sector alone. These licence revocations were carried out to combat abuse and exploitation within the sector. Additionally, with the recent changes, minimum salary thresholds have also been updated. In this context, professions in the health and education sectors, for example, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and teachers, will see an increase in their minimum salaries.

These changes in the care sector in England are being considered as part of making adjustments to the immigration system.

Do not hesitate to contact our expert consultants for England visa applications or immigration appeals.