UK Stops Issuing Health And Care Worker Visas To Tackle Migration

• The UK government has ceased issuing new Health and Care Worker visas to foreign nationals as of July 22, 2025.
• This change is part of a broader immigration strategy aimed at reducing overall migration, particularly in lower-income sectors.
• The policy is designed to promote domestic employment and prevent misuse of the visa sponsorship system.

The UK government has officially stopped issuing new Health and Care Worker visas to foreign nationals, effective July 22, 2025. This decision marks a significant change in the country’s immigration strategy, targeting a reduction in overall migration—especially in lower-income sectors.

Officials say the new policy is meant to encourage domestic employment and curb misuse within the visa sponsorship framework. A report from TravelBiz notes that the government aims to place more emphasis on hiring UK residents while tightening controls over the system.

Previously, foreign care workers under the SOC Code 6145 were eligible for inclusion on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. This classification came with benefits such as lower visa fees, reduced salary requirements, and quicker processing times. These incentives have now been withdrawn.

Although those already holding valid visas can remain until the end of their current term, the government has indicated that options for renewing or transitioning to another care-related visa may be extremely limited. Moving forward, no new applications from overseas care workers will be considered under this route.

Critics argue that the decision could deepen the staffing crisis in the UK’s already under-resourced social care sector.