This section is for sponsored overseas carers working in the Southeast.
Learn how to get help if you’re being treated unfairly, find out what steps to take if your sponsorship ends, including if you have been “displaced” due to your previous sponsor losing its licence, and access a directory of local support services and resources.
Regional partnerships, including SESCA, will continue supporting workers whose sponsor’s licence has been revoked by UKVI, to find a new sponsor.
These individuals can still be employed by a new sponsor as long as their current visa has not expired.
Any worker whose original sponsor has had their license revoked and whose visa is coming to an end should approach their regional partnership for support and seek urgent advice from a specialist immigration adviser –
Find a qualified immigration adviser
The Government has committed to supporting sponsored care workers already in England beyond the current transition period (to 22nd July 2028).
Existing Health and Care Worker visa holders will be able to continue to work for as long as their visa remains valid.
After July 2028, no new entrants will be allowed into the Health and Care Worker visa route from other visa types.
The Government has also announced plans to extend the UK settlement period from 5 years to 10, though details are still to be confirmed.
Will I have to leave the UK after 22 July 2025?
No. Your visa remains valid until its expiry. If UKVI makes any change (e.g. due to licence revocation), they will contact you directly.
Can I keep working after 22 July 2025?
Yes, provided your visa allows you to work, there are no changes.
Can I renew my visa when it ends?
That depends on your visa. Please seek advice from a registered immigration adviser:
Find a qualified immigration adviser.
Can I be sponsored again in future?
Yes, if you are already working on a Health and Care Worker visa, you can continue to be sponsored by your current employer, or a new sponsor, until at least July 2028.
If you’re on another visa type and have worked legally for 3+ months, you may also be eligible for sponsorship.
When looking for a care provider who can offer visa sponsorship, it’s essential to confirm two things:
Sponsor Licence – The provider must hold a valid sponsor licence. You can check this on the official UK Government Register of Licensed Sponsors.
CQC Registration – The provider must also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can verify this using the CQC’s search tool on their website.
SESCA is committed to supporting “displaced care workers”—overseas care workers in the South East who have lost their sponsorship due to their sponsor’s license being revoked—by connecting them with reputable care providers offering new sponsorship opportunities. Our work is spread across the south-east and we do not have a physical office, please contact us only via our email address.
If you are a displaced care worker living in the South East, please visit our Sponsorship Opportunities – Displaced Carers section.
If this does not apply to you, here are some resources to assist you in your job search.
A comprehensive list of licensed sponsor holders is available on the UK government website: Register of licensed sponsors: workers – GOV.UK.
For comprehensive job listings, visit:
For care sector-specific job listings, visit:
The following job boards list adult social care opportunities within specific counties across the Southeast:
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published this guide to support affected workers, offering:
nsor’s license has been revoked.Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, independent legal advice. They have produced a helpful resource, Losing your job if you have a Health and Care Worker Visa, which covers the following:
If you have concerns about your employment rights and pay, including being underpaid or not receiving pay for hours worked, the following organizations may be able to help.
Sponsored work visa holders do not have recourse to public funds, however, you may be able to access some benefits if you meet qualifying requirements. The No Recourse to Public Funds Network has developed a tool to help work out when further housing and financial support is available for those with no recourse to public funds: Housing and support options for migrant families.
Local authorities have welfare schemes to help with food, clothes, and bills. Each scheme has its own rules about who can get help. Contact your local council to check if you are eligible.
Any queries relating to immigration status or visas should be referred to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
If your accommodation was provided by your previous employer or sponsor, seek advice on your rights and tenancy agreement from Citizens Advice or Shelter.
International care workers are not usually able to access homelessness support through their local authority as they have no recourse to public funds. Some exceptions may apply if there are dependent children in the household or if the adult is assessed as having care and support needs by social services. Social services’ support is not classed as public funding for immigration purposes. Contact your local authority for support in these circumstances.
A list of food banks is available through the Trussell Trust: Find a Food Bank – The Trussell Trust.
Our Support for Overseas Workers section includes the details of many Community Support Groups, including PAWA a national association supporting African workers in the UK, offering advice, workplace representation, training, and referrals for displaced care workers.
In addition, we provide practical advice on employment, accommodation, financial assistance, and mental health support.
Registering with a recruitment agency can help you find a new job. Ensure the agency is listed on GOV.UK’s ethical recruiters list, which means they follow government recruitment rules around ethical international recruitment.
Two prominent agencies that operate ethically and provide comprehensive services specifically for care workers requiring visa sponsorship are SponsorSwitch and Get Borderless.
The gov.uk website provides advice on staying safe and avoiding scams when searching for a social care job in the UK. Key points include:
Some of these organizations may need a referral from a local authority or referring agency and proof of a job interview:
For essential information about the adult social care industry, below are links to key organizations that offer valuable guidance and support:
Skills for Care is the strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care in England. Their website is a valuable resource for developing your skills and understanding the expectations within the social care sector.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. You can find inspection reports and ratings for care providers on their website, together with guidance on maintaining high-quality care and ensuring regulatory compliance.
If you have moved to the UK on a Health & Care Worker visa, and you suspect you are being treated unfairly, or are a victim of modern-day slavery, immediate help is available.
You may be a victim of unfair treatment, abuse or modern slavery (see below), if you are:
If any of these conditions apply to you, it’s critical to act quickly to safeguard your rights and well-being.
Many agencies, including the police, the Salvation Army, other charities, and local councils, can offer support and refer you through the National Referral Mechanism to ensure you receive the appropriate help.
The UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpine (Unseen): this helpline and online referral resource is managed by “Unseen” a UK charity that works with individuals, communities, businesses, governments, other charities, and statutory agencies to stamp out modern slavery.
The Police: If you believe there is an immediate danger or you witness a crime, call the police emergency number (999) right away. For non-emergencies, you can contact your local police station or the non-emergency number (101).
Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans offer a free support line, which you can call any time to talk to an advisor who can offer advice and direct you to further support. Call 116 123.
Migrant Help UK: Resource and support available online.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM): The NRM is a process for identifying and supporting potential victims of modern slavery. You can make a referral to the NRM through the Home Office, law enforcement, or a designated organization. The NRM referral form can be completed online.
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA): If the exploitation involves labour abuse or workers’ rights violations, you can report it to the GLAA. They investigate and take action against businesses or individuals exploiting workers.
Modern Slavery is a term that covers a multitude of abuse, where an individual is taken advantage of for someone else’s personal, commercial, or criminal gain. Unfortunately, there have been cases of people who have come to work in the care industry in the UK who are experiencing modern slavery.
A powerful new educational video from Justice and Care and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) shares real-life stories and practical guidance to help protect international care workers from exploitation.
Watch now in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Justice & Care are a charity dedicated to raising awareness and helping victims of modern slavery. They have produced this vital guidance to provide international care workers with essential information regarding their employment rights and entitlements while working in the UK.
Key highlights include:
We encourage all providers to ensure their international workers are familiar with this important resource.
If you’ve overstayed your visa or are living in the UK illegally, Citizens Advice offers detailed guidance on your options:
We have conducted extensive research to identify the support available to overseas care workers living and working in the South East.
Please select from the options below.
The Trades Union Congress, which represents all major UK trades unions, has an easy-access guide to Working in the UK. It also runs the Worksmart website which includes questions and answers on issues about working conditions.
The UK Government website has a section offering advice on working, jobs and pensions, which includes guidance on the National Minimum Wage.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
The government department which collects and administers taxes and pays tax credits and child benefits. The HMRC website has pages for migrant workers explaining taxes, national insurance, self-employment, tax credits and the National Minimum Wage which they enforce.
The Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive, which enforces health and safety at work legislation has pages for migrant workers.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority regulates gangmasters (agents employing workers) in certain industries and has an advice page for workers.
FLEX has been dedicated to ending labour exploitation since it was founded in 2013. Over the past 10 years, we have been at the forefront of working to prevent labour abuses, protect the rights of exploited and at-risk workers, and promote best practice responses to labour exploitation in the context of a challenging political environment.
The Care Workers Charity supports care workers, including those from overseas, who are facing financial hardship or other challenges. They provide financial assistance, emotional support, and practical advice to care workers in need, helping them navigate difficult situations and improve their wellbeing.
The Department for Work and Pensions administers welfare benefits (for the unemployed and those unable to work) in the UK. The UK Government website includes comprehensive information about benefits.
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group has a section of its website which covers benefits and tax issues for migrants.
You can search for solicitor near you who can give advice under the legal aid scheme using the search tool for England and Wales. The tool allows you search by location (postcode, town or city) and by subject matter (e.g. immigration, housing and welfare benefits).
The OISC gives information on finding a suitably qualified immigration advisor in your area. They investigate complaints about immigration advisers and can prosecute those who operate illegally.
The Right to Remain Toolkit is a guide to the UK immigration and asylum system. It gives an overview of the legal system and procedures, with detailed information on rights and options at key stages, and actions you can take in support of your claim, or to help someone else.
NHS entitlements: migrant health guide
This guide on the www.gov.uk website provides comprehensive information on healthcare entitlements for migrants in England. It covers topics such accessing NHS primary and secondary care, dental treatment and immunization, together with specific information relating vulnerable migrant groups.
The Open University offer Free English Language courses.
Migrant Help have compiled a collection of online learning resources.
The Housing Rights website has been put together by The Chartered Institute of Housing and BME National. The site gives recent arrivals up-to-date information about their housing rights.
Shelter’s website offers advice on private renting, deposits, problems with landlords, etc. Search for housing advice by area, and get the contact details of Shelter’s local offices, which offer free advice and help with all types of housing problems, together with a free helpline for urgent problems.
The Homeless Link website provides information about services for anyone facing homelessness, including a directory of services.
The Citizens Advice website provides advice to help you find your local Citizens Advice Bureau for face-to-face advice and help. The site includes information about benefits, immigration, housing and other useful topics. It has separate sections for the different parts of the UK.
ARHAG has a free national benefits and housing advice line available to all BME women or girls in the UK who require help or advice with a housing or benefit issue, such as universal credit, maximising benefits, support dealing with overpayments, and maximising benefits through grants and other options.
Crisis has a Help to Rent Database on this page where you can find out about schemes that may be able to help with deposits and rent in advance.
BME National is a collective of housing associations that work in diverse neighbourhoods. We work with policyholders and decision-makers to improve people’s lives through tackling housing inequality.
About Immigration – Driving in the UK
The About Immigration website contains free, impartial information on each stage of UK immigration, including a comprehensive overview on Driving in the UK.
Migrant Help is a national charity operating from 10 offices across the UK. Although the charity is focused on helping asylum seekers and refugees, the website contains a wealth of advice, information and support to overcome the challenges of integration to life in the UK.
The charity supports access to local healthcare and education services, English lessons, specialist counselling, managing budgets and becoming work ready. Migrant Help also supports victims of modern-day slavery.
Equality Advisory Support Service
The Equality Advisory Support Service provides information advice and support on discrimination and human rights issues to individuals in England, Scotland and Wales.
The Migrant Rights Network is a UK-based organisation that works to promote and protect the rights of migrants. They offer support to care workers by providing information on their rights, connecting them with relevant services, and advocating for fair treatment and better working conditions.
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
We work toward this vision of a better Britain by:
Southeast Strategic Partnership for Migration
The Southeast Strategic Partnership for Migration (SESPM) provides leadership, coordination, and advisory function for migration in the Southeast. It is hosted by Southeast Councils and our support covers all 70 South East local authority areas.
Voice4Change England is a national advocacy organisation that works to strengthen the voice and influence of the UK’s Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. They support overseas care workers by addressing issues of inequality, discrimination, and exploitation. Voice4Change England aims to empower care workers and ensure their rights are protected.
Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC)
Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) is a community organisation for and by migrants, refugees, and people seeking asylum from Southeast and East Asia and people of these heritages living in the UK. We provide essential community support services on issues around welfare, immigration, employment, healthcare access, racism and discrimination, mental health, as well as gender-based violence and exploitation. Based on our experiences as a user-led grassroots organisation, we also deliver advocacy and campaigning work to address intersectional challenges faced by marginalised and under-represented groups of the communities, such as precarious migrant workers, asylum seekers, survivors of trafficking and labour exploitation, women and people of marginalised genders.
Supporting South Asian Women in the UK
We can advise and advocate on your behalf to help manage key areas such as health, housing, education, employment, legal, finance and personal development such as how to write a CV, interview skills, help to complete benefit forms, access to counselling and advocacy, and much more.
Although we do not provide refuge provision or financial aid, we are able to make referrals to our partners, who are better placed to assist you without being passed on to endless organisations.
Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA)
We work with Afghans and Central Asians living away from their homeland, providing them with support, skills and knowledge to live and prosper in the UK.
Our wide range of services includes English language classes, employment workshops, a women’s support group, a Saturday school and homework club, youth and family support services, drop-in and telephone advice, volunteer placements, and cultural and social events. We provide outreach and visits to individuals and families in detention.
The Refugee Council provides essential support, advice, and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, assisting them in rebuilding their lives and integrating into society.
Refugee Action offers practical support, advice, and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, helping them access vital services, find accommodation, and navigate the asylum process.
The British Red Cross provides a range of support services to refugees and asylum seekers, including emergency relief, health and wellbeing support, and assistance with accessing essential services.
Migrant Help offers advice, support, and guidance to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants. They assist individuals in understanding their rights, accessing accommodation, and navigating the asylum process.
Sanctuary Hosting matches individuals in need of accommodation with volunteer hosts who provide a safe and welcoming place to stay for refugees and asylum seekers facing homelessness.
Praxis Community Projects is based in London and offers a telephone and drop-in advice service to all vulnerable migrants, including rejected asylum seekers and people with no recourse to public funds and other immigration problems.
Doctors of the World run a London clinic and advocacy programme based at Praxis, for anyone who has difficulty accessing mainstream healthcare.
NACCOM is the UK national No Accommodation network which provides a list and map of all projects offering accommodation to migrants with no recourse to public funds.
Project 17 offers advice to people with children who need to apply to social services for accommodation.
Bail for Immigration Detainees is an independent charity that exists to challenge immigration detention in the UK.
The Refugee Council provides essential support, advice, and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, assisting them in rebuilding their lives and integrating into society.
Refugee Action offers practical support, advice, and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, helping them access vital services, find accommodation, and navigate the asylum process.
The British Red Cross provides a range of support services to refugees and asylum seekers, including emergency relief, health and wellbeing support, and assistance with accessing essential services.
Migrant Help offers advice, support, and guidance to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants. They assist individuals in understanding their rights, accessing accommodation, and navigating the asylum process.
Sanctuary Hosting matches individuals in need of accommodation with volunteer hosts who provide a safe and welcoming place to stay for refugees and asylum seekers facing homelessness.
Praxis Community Projects is based in London and offers a telephone and drop-in advice service to all vulnerable migrants, including rejected asylum seekers and people with no recourse to public funds and other immigration problems.
Doctors of the World run a London clinic and advocacy programme based at Praxis, for anyone who has difficulty accessing mainstream healthcare.
NACCOM is the UK national No Accommodation network which provides a list and map of all projects offering accommodation to migrants with no recourse to public funds.
Project 17 offers advice to people with children who need to apply to social services for accommodation.
Bail for Immigration Detainees is an independent charity that exists to challenge immigration detention in the UK.
For more local support, please select from the list of counties below. Each link will take you to the support information published by our local Care Associations on their websites.
The Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) is a UK Home Office scheme that supports individuals who wish to return voluntarily to their country of origin. The programme aims to support safe and sustainable reintegration socially, economically and psychologically.
The following support is available:
Return of documents held by the Home Office
Support obtaining new travel documents
Flights funded by the Home Office
Travel to the airport (where required)
Costs associated with obtaining replacement documents
VRS may be available to:
Overstayers and individuals without lawful status
Individuals withdrawing open applications or appeals
Asylum seekers (awaiting decision or refused)
Individuals with modern slavery claims (awaiting decision or refused)
EEA nationals without status
Individuals with valid leave to remain, refugee status, those detained, or those subject to deportation orders are generally NOT eligible.
Online application (anytime):
https://www.gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily
Helpdesk:
📞 0300 004 0202
Monday–Friday, 09:30–16:00