The UK government has introduced new immigration rules requiring care providers to prioritise hiring international care workers already in England before recruiting from overseas. These changes, which were announced yesterday (12 March 2025) and take effect from 9 April 2025, are part of broader efforts to regulate migration, prevent exploitation, and support displaced care workers.
Key Changes
- Increased Minimum Salary: The minimum hourly rate for newly sponsored Skilled Worker visa holders, including care workers, will increase to £12.82 per hour (equivalent to £25,000 per annum, based on a 37.5 hours per week contract), from 9 April 2025, in line with the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
- Existing sponsored staff will not be required to meet the new £12.82 minimum hourly rate. However, from 9 April 2025, they must be paid at least £12.21 per hour, in line with the National Minimum Wage increase. If a sponsored care worker extends their visa, they must then meet the £12.82 per hour minimum (or the applicable rate at that time).
- Priority for Workers Already in England: Care providers must now prove they have attempted to recruit international care workers already residing in the UK before seeking workers from abroad. This aims to support those whose sponsors have lost their licences and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.
- Stronger Enforcement Against Abuse: The government continues its crackdown on rogue employers, reporting alarming numbers, with over 470 sponsor licences revoked since July 2022, affecting more than 39,000 workers.Employers who repeatedly violate immigration laws will be barred from hiring overseas workers.
- Ban on Sponsorship Fees for Workers: Companies can no longer charge migrant care workers for sponsorship costs, preventing exploitation and financial hardship.
Government Statement
Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, emphasised:
“Those who have come to the UK to support our adult care sector should have the opportunity to do so, free from abuse and exploitation. We are now requiring employers in England to prioritise recruiting international care workers who are already here before hiring from overseas.”
Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, added:
“Prioritising care workers already in the UK will get people back into work, reduce reliance on overseas recruitment, and ensure our care sector has the professionals it needs.”
The government is expected to publish further guidance ahead of the 9 April implementation date.
Read the full announcement here: New rules to prioritise recruiting care workers in England