The UK government has banned care homes from hiring new overseas workers to reduce net migration levels.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the reform as part of a broader immigration strategy set to be unveiled Monday, May 12, 2025.
The decision ends the care worker visa route for foreign applicants not already residing in the United Kingdom.
Care providers must now recruit from the domestic workforce or hire foreign nationals already living legally in the UK.
Cooper said many overseas workers had been exploited and should now be given priority for care roles.
The government plans to cut 50,000 low-skilled visas within a year to ease immigration pressures.
This shift aligns with efforts to reduce low-wage migration and encourage domestic workforce training.
The policy also includes major changes to deportation rules for foreign nationals convicted of crimes.
Authorities will now be notified of all convictions, not just prison sentences, involving foreign individuals.
Offences like knife crime and violence against women will trigger potential deportation proceedings.
Foreign nationals on the sex offender register will no longer qualify for asylum protection.
Officials say the rule applies regardless of the length or nature of sentencing.
Stricter conditions are coming for foreign workers and international students seeking to remain in the UK.
English language requirements will be tightened, though A-level English will not be mandatory.
Non-graduate work visas will now be strictly time-limited and closely monitored.
Employers in sectors like IT and engineering must prove domestic recruitment efforts before hiring abroad.
The government will establish a Labour Market Evidence Group to guide future visa decisions.
This group will include Migration Advisory Council members and industry representatives.
It will assess sectors overly dependent on foreign labour and suggest adjustments to visa rules.
These changes follow increasing pressure on the government to address rising immigration concerns.
Reform UK’s recent local election gains reflect public frustration with illegal crossings and migrant numbers.
Business leaders warn the new rules may worsen staffing shortages in care, hospitality, and retail.
Despite criticism, ministers insist the reforms are necessary for long-term labour market stability and public confidence.
The white paper outlining these changes will be published Monday, confirming a major shift in UK immigration policy.
Cooper described the strategy as “firm, fair, and necessary to build a secure and skilled economy.”
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