A recent rule change has closed the door on recruiting care workers and senior care workers from abroad via the Skilled Worker visa route. As of 22 July 2025, care homes and social care providers can no longer sponsor new overseas applicants for these vital roles (Community Care).
This policy arrives amid a long-standing staffing crisis. According to Skills for Care, the number of vacancies in the independent social care sector stood at 8.2 per cent for care worker positions and 4.8 per cent for senior care worker roles as of March 2025 (Community Care). Meanwhile, The Guardian highlights that there are around 130,000 open vacancies, with the sector needing approximately 540,000 new care workers by 2040 to meet the needs of an ageing population.
The government justifies the move as part of its wider immigration reform — outlined in the “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” white paper aiming to curb net migration, raise entry standards, and eliminate visa abuse and worker exploitation (GOV.UK). A transition period until 22 July 2028 will allow care workers already in the UK to extend, switch sponsorship, or settle, provided they have been employed by their sponsor for at least three months (Community Care).
Analysis and Future Impact on UK Care Homes
1. Deepening Workforce Shortages
Removing the option to recruit internationally significantly reduces the available labour pool. Without robust domestic recruitment strategies, staffing gaps are set to grow.
2. Pressure to Raise Pay and Improve Conditions
The government has floated the concept of “fair pay agreements” to make care roles more attractive to UK workers (The Guardian). Yet, without increased funding to local authorities, providers may struggle to improve wages and conditions meaningfully.
3. Long-Term Workforce Reform Needs
Professor Brian Bell, chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, has warned that falling net migration could worsen labour shortages, particularly in service sectors like care (The Guardian). Investment in training, apprenticeships, and retention strategies will be crucial to avoid long-term service decline.
4. Risks to Quality of Care
If staffing levels continue to drop, some care homes may face closure or be forced to reduce services, particularly in rural or under-funded regions. This could place vulnerable residents at greater risk and increase pressure on hospitals and community services.
In Summary
This visa ban compounds an already critical recruitment problem in UK social care. While the transition period offers some breathing space, the sector’s sustainability will depend on urgent domestic workforce development, better funding, and a clear long-term strategy to meet the needs of an ageing society.
