Nigeria: UK introduces new visa rules for care workers, raises salary threshold
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The UK Government has announced new visa regulations affecting care providers, foreign workers, and students as part of efforts to reduce immigration and prioritize local recruitment. These measures aim to address challenges in the care sector and curb reliance on overseas recruitment.
Effective April 9, care providers seeking to hire staff from overseas must first demonstrate efforts to recruit foreign workers already residing in England who require new visa sponsorship. This move aims to create fair opportunities for care workers in the UK while reducing dependency on international recruitment.
Additionally, the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will increase from £23,200 to £25,000 annually, aligning with the rising minimum wage. This adjustment is intended to ensure that the sector attracts skilled workers and maintains standards of care provision.
Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, emphasized the importance of prioritizing care workers already in the UK to strengthen the sector’s workforce and reduce the need for international recruitment. He acknowledged the significant role played by international care workers in supporting vulnerable individuals across the country.
In response to concerns about misuse of short-term student visas, the Government is tightening regulations to prevent abuse of the system. Authorities will have expanded powers to reject suspicious visa applications, particularly for individuals studying English in the UK for six to 11 months.
Furthermore, the Government is cracking down on businesses violating immigration laws and has revoked over 470 sponsor licenses in the care sector between July 2025. Companies found to be in breach of immigration rules may face bans on hiring overseas workers.
Recent data shows a notable decline in foreign worker and student visa applications following the implementation of these new restrictions. The UK received 547,000 work and study visa applications between April and December 2024, marking a 42% reduction compared to the previous year.
Overall, these changes reflect the Government’s commitment to safeguarding international workers from exploitation, strengthening the care workforce, and ensuring fair recruitment practices in the UK.
