UK to Ban Care Workers From Bringing Dependents
In a development that is undoubtedly bad news for Africans who were hoping to relocate to the United Kingdom on care visas, the country has decided to ban care workers from bringing any dependents.
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This decision is part of the UK government’s comprehensive five-point plan unveiled on Monday, aimed at reducing immigration.
Home Secretary James Cleverly, who has come under mounting pressure since assuming office three weeks ago, emphasized the need for a robust stance on immigration.
Addressing the House of Commons on Monday, Cleverly introduced a new five-point plan scheduled to take effect in Spring 2024. The key elements of this plan include:
- The minimum salary for foreign skilled workers will be raised from £26,200 to £38,700 (though the health and care sector will be exempt).
- The minimum income requirement for a spouse or family visa will be raised from £18,600 to £38,700.
- Care workers will not be allowed to bring any dependents to the UK, and care firms will be required to be registered with the Care Quality Commission to sponsor visas.
- The Shortage Occupation List will be reformed and the current 20% going rate salary discount for shortage occupations will be abolished.
- The rules on students bringing family members to the UK will be tightened, plus the Migration Advisory Committee will be commissioned to carry out a full review of the graduate visa route.
UK to Ban Care Workers From Bringing Dependents
Cleverly stated these measures, combined with previous announcements, would have prevented 300,000 entries into the UK last year.
Additionally, plans to increase the immigration health surcharge from £624 to £1,035 were reiterated.
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Responding to a query from Tory MP Damian Green about the expected impact on the UK health and care sector due to the removal of family dependents from the care workers’ visa, Cleverly suggested there wasn’t an estimated decrease in the workforce.
He expressed confidence that any gaps would be filled by local professionals.
The home secretary highlighted that the plan aims to prevent “approximately 120,000 dependants” from entering on health and care visas.
