The UK government has implemented strict visa regulations that prevent overseas care workers, including those from India, from bringing their dependent family members to the UK. This decision follows concerns raised by the UK Home Office regarding what it perceives as an imbalanced ratio of dependents accompanying care workers under the visa route. Last year alone, 120,000 dependents accompanied 100,000 workers in the care sector.
These changes, effective this week, are part of the government's efforts to address abuse and manipulation within the immigration system and to reduce unsustainable migration numbers. UK Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the importance of protecting British workers while ensuring that the best international talent can still contribute to the UK.
As part of these measures, care providers in England sponsoring migrants are now required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to prevent the exploitation and abuse of workers in the health and social care sectors. The government aims to bolster the domestic workforce in the social care sector through ongoing reforms, providing structured career paths and qualifications for care workers.
The UK government also aims to prevent visa misuse, such as luring care workers with non-existent job offers or offering salaries below the mandated minimum wage. To address these concerns, the government will increase the salary threshold for skilled worker visas and eliminate the 20% discount for migrant workers in shortage occupations.
In addition to these changes, the UK Home Secretary announced a review of the Graduate Route for international students to prevent misuse and safeguard the quality of UK higher education. This review aims to attract the best and brightest students to the UK while ensuring the integrity of the post-study work route.Â
Furthermore, adjustments to student visas, including prohibiting most post-graduate students from bringing dependents to the UK, have been implemented. Additionally, starting in April, the minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas will increase, along with escalating income requirements for family visas. These changes reflect the UK government's broader strategy to curtail immigration and prioritize the interests of British workers.
