If you’ve been preparing to work as a care worker in the UK, there’s some major news you can’t ignore. In a surprising shift in immigration policy, the UK Government has announced the end of the Health and Care Worker visa route for new overseas applicants, starting June 2025.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s changing, who’s impacted, and explore alternative visa options in other countries for those still looking to build a career in care.
What’s Changing?
As outlined in the UK Immigration White Paper (May 2025), the government will phase out the Health and Care Worker visa for foreign applicants from outside the UK. While a specific cut-off date has not yet been confirmed, the policy will officially take effect later in 2025.
This means:
- New care worker visa applications from abroad will no longer be accepted.
- Overseas recruitment agencies will be barred from hiring new care staff unless they are already residing in the UK.
Why Is the UK Making This Change?
According to the UK Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, the primary reasons include:
- Reducing overall immigration numbers
- Prioritizing local recruitment for social care jobs
- Tackling exploitation in the care industry, which has faced criticism for low pay and poor working conditions
However, there’s a catch: Nearly 20% of care workers in the UK are currently foreign nationals. This sudden shift is expected to put pressure on an already strained system.
Who Is Affected by the Ban?
Directly Impacted:
- Aspiring care workers currently outside the UK
- International recruitment agencies sourcing care staff from overseas
Still Eligible (Until at Least 2028):
- Care workers already in the UK with valid visas: They can renew, switch sponsors, or apply for settlement if eligible.
- Students or family visa holders inside the UK can still be recruited into care roles (with proper sponsorship).
- Displaced care workers—those whose employers lost their sponsorship license—can find new sponsors within the UK and continue working.
Sector Reactions: Warnings of Crisis
The care industry is already sounding alarms over the decision, warning it could lead to:
- Severe staff shortages
- Potential collapse of small care homes
- Increased strain on local recruitment, which is already under-resourced
Many experts believe the UK care sector will struggle to stay afloat unless the government simultaneously raises wages and improves working conditions for domestic workers.
What Are Your Alternatives? Best Countries for Care Workers in 2025
If the UK is no longer an option, don’t give up on your dream of working in healthcare abroad. Here are some of the top countries currently welcoming care workers, along with visa options and benefits:
| Country | Visa Type | Why Choose It |
| Canada | Home Support Worker Pilot | PR pathway, family sponsorship, some roles exempt from LMIA |
| Germany | Pflegekraft Visa | Sponsored by care facilities; requires German language skills |
| Australia | Subclass 482/186 Skilled Work Visa | High demand for aged care roles; employer-sponsored |
| Sweden | Shortage Occupation Work Visa | Family-friendly; care jobs on the shortage list |
| New Zealand | Accredited Employer Work Visa | Green List includes aged care; direct pathway to residence |
| Singapore | S Pass (Healthcare Sector) | High salaries; no PR route, but good short-term opportunities |
| Ireland | General Employment Permit | Healthcare assistants eligible; permanent residency after 5 years |
Final Thoughts
The UK’s decision to close the overseas care worker visa route is a major shift in immigration and healthcare policy. While it may align with domestic goals, it leaves thousands of international applicants looking for new opportunities.
If you’re one of them, consider countries like Canada, Australia, or Germany, where care work remains a valued and accessible profession — and often leads to permanent residency.
For more details please contact my team. Thanks Regards
+91 63806 92148
+91 63015 50340
