UK Halts Overseas Recruitment of Care Workers in Sweeping Immigration Reform

The United Kingdom has announced a significant overhaul of its immigration policy, with new measures set to take effect from July 22, 2025. Described as a “complete reset” by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the reforms aim to reduce migration levels and curb the country’s dependence on low-paid foreign labour.

One of the most impactful changes is the termination of the overseas recruitment route for social care workers. Starting from July 22, the UK will no longer accept new visa applications for care roles from outside the country.

However, care workers already residing in the UK will be allowed to switch visa categories internally until July 2028, offering some relief to those already within the system.

The reforms also raise both salary and qualification thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa. Most applicants will now be required to have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and meet higher salary benchmarks, in line with the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

“These changes are designed to ensure the immigration system aligns with national needs and strengthens our investment in domestic skills,” said Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship. She noted that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will review the revised salary bands and exemptions.

In another key change, the Shortage occupation List which had previously provided a fast-track visa route for certain professions is being dramatically reduced. Over 100 occupations, including chefs and plasterers, are being removed.

A streamlined, temporary list of critical roles will remain, but without benefits such as discounted visa fees or the right to bring dependants. The MAC has been tasked with reviewing this list and deciding which roles, if any, should continue beyond 2026.

“These new rules introduce stronger controls to bring migration down and restore order to the immigration system,” Cooper told Members of Parliament. “We are delivering a complete reset after years of skyrocketing net migration.”

According to the Home Office, the changes also aim to tackle abuse within the care visa route and reduce worker exploitation, while promoting local workforce development through training and investment.

The immigration reset reflects the Labour government’s broader strategy to build a more sustainable, skills-focused migration system, amid growing political and public pressure to tighten UK borders.