The United Kingdom has announced the termination of overseas recruitment for social care visas, effective May 12, 2025, as part of a strategic shift to bolster domestic employment and address immigration concerns. The decision, unveiled by the Home Office, aims to reduce reliance on foreign workers in the social care sector, which has faced chronic staffing shortages, while encouraging UK citizens to fill these critical roles.

The policy change targets the Health and Care Worker Visa scheme, which previously allowed international recruits, primarily from countries like Nigeria, India, and the Philippines, to work in UK care homes and social care settings. Over 120,000 visas were granted in 2024 alone, with foreign workers comprising nearly 30% of the sector’s workforce. The government’s decision follows a review that highlighted exploitation risks, including low wages and poor working conditions for some overseas workers, alongside concerns about unsustainable immigration levels. The suspension does not affect existing visa holders, who can continue working until their permits expire, but halts new applications from abroad.

To address the sector’s staffing needs, the government has launched a £500 million training fund to upskill UK residents, targeting 50,000 new care workers by 2027. The initiative includes apprenticeships, fast-track qualifications, and wage subsidies to make social care roles more attractive. The Department of Health and Social Care has also committed to improving pay and conditions, with a proposed minimum wage increase for care workers to £12 per hour by October 2025. These measures aim to fill the gap left by the visa suspension, though industry leaders warn of potential short-term disruptions, given the sector’s 10% vacancy rate, equivalent to 150,000 unfilled positions.

The decision aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledge to prioritize domestic labor and reduce net migration, which reached 685,000 in 2024. It follows earlier restrictions on overseas students and family dependents, reflecting a broader tightening of immigration policies. However, the social care sector, which supports 1.6 million workers and serves elderly and disabled populations, faces immediate challenges. Care homes in regions like London and the Southeast, heavily reliant on foreign staff, report difficulties in recruiting locally, citing the sector’s demanding nature and historically low pay.