In a bold move to reform the nation’s immigration system and tackle exploitation in the care sector, the United Kingdom government has announced plans to end overseas recruitment for care workers. This development, part of a broader immigration crackdown, will be officially presented in the new Immigration White Paper on Monday, May 12.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, in a statement released Sunday, confirmed the policy change, citing widespread abuse and mistreatment faced by thousands of migrant care workers. The decision marks a significant shift in how the UK plans to staff its social care sector going forward.
“Care workers from overseas have made a huge contribution to social care in the UK, but too many have been subject to shameful levels of abuse and exploitation,” the Home Office said.
Disturbing cases have emerged where international workers arrived in the UK only to find that the promised jobs were nonexistent, or they were subjected to inhumane working conditions. In response, the government has revoked the licences of over 470 care providers for breaching sponsorship rules since 2022.
As a result, nearly 40,000 migrant care workers were displaced — many of whom will now be assisted to re-enter the workforce under fair and lawful conditions. However, the new rule will not affect those already legally residing and working in the UK. Sponsored care workers can remain, switch employers, extend their visas, or apply for settlement status — even if their current sponsor’s licence has been revoked.
The UK To End Overseas Recruitment For Care Workers In Immigration Crackdown reflects a wider effort to reduce reliance on migrant labour and develop a stronger domestic workforce. As part of this reform, the government has committed to training local talent and implementing Fair Pay Agreements, ensuring better wages and working conditions through negotiation between care workers, employers, and industry representatives.
This strategy also builds on the recent expansion of the Care Workforce Pathway launched in January, a programme designed to professionalise the care sector and create clearer career progression for workers.
Additionally, Baroness Louise Casey has commenced work on a major independent commission into adult social care, described by the government as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to transform the sector with cross-party support.
The upcoming Immigration White Paper is expected to feature more stringent border control measures and efforts to bring net migration down — aligning with the Labour government’s promise to establish a fair and balanced immigration system.
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