Visa Changes Care Sector: What Bedfordshire Must Know

Visa changes in the care sector are causing significant concern among providers like Andrea Thasan, director of the Bedfordshire Care Group. She emphasizes that the industry relies heavily on overseas workers. As of 2025, care homes and agencies faced restrictions on recruiting international staff. The government is contemplating an increase in the time required for individuals to have worked in the UK before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), potentially extending it from five years to 10 or even 15 years. This follows a consultation period that closed in February. A spokesperson from the Home Office noted that net migration has decreased by nearly 70% and reiterated their aim to control immigration without apologies. Thasan has expressed her frustrations regarding delays and refusals in renewing sponsorships for existing staff. Out of 10 recent visa applications, only five received approval. Simultaneously, visa costs have surged from £3,100 for a three-year visa a few years ago to nearly £4,500 today. If the settlement period extends to 15 years, sponsorship costs per worker could escalate to £22,500. Thasan fears these adjustments unfairly affect care workers who have legally come to support the vital sector. She warns that without adequate staffing, hospital beds will become occupied unnecessarily, leading to extended stays for patients and increased expenditures for the NHS. While the government has set a minimum wage of £12.82 per hour for overseas care staff—slightly above the £12.71 minimum for UK workers over 21—Thasan argues that this incentive fails to attract local applicants, making it difficult for her business to thrive. Esther Akinpelu, who emigrated from Nigeria in 2022 to engage in domiciliary care, shares her fears concerning possible immigration rule changes. Eligible to apply for ILR next year, she stated that any new regulations might compel her family to consider relocating to Canada for better security. She feels misled and undervalued by the UK government, expressing concerns over the future of healthcare without international caregivers. Ben Brindle from the Migration Observatory notes that the influx of care workers had already decreased before the government eliminated the care route. Implementing a longer settlement period could hinder migrants' ability to switch jobs for up to a decade, limiting their flexibility but potentially lowering public costs due to associated in-work benefits. Janet, a care worker originally from Nigeria, points out that extending the time for obtaining ILR renders overseas workers feeling temporary and unwelcome, despite their tax contributions and hard work. She predicts that many may leave the UK for destinations like New Zealand or Canada if the proposed changes come into effect. Dinesh Pushparajan from India emphasizes that long-term uncertainty impacts both caregivers and those in their care. He believes that negative asylum discussions have influenced public perceptions of legal immigration. Oana Caspreac, a Romanian director of care, also feels unwelcome due to misinformation and underlines the necessity of supporting staff in these uncertain times. The government claims that overseas recruitment was halted due to unacceptable abuse and exploitation levels, referencing a 2025 Unison report regarding fees charged by dishonest agencies for nonexistent job placements. They aim to incentivize UK recruitment through a higher minimum wage for care staff, for which £500 million has been allocated for introduction in 2028. Decisions concerning permanent residency for international staff will follow a thorough review of consultation feedback. Political perspectives vary drastically: the Conservative Party advocates a 10-year wait for residency, while Reform UK proposes indefinite temporary visas. In contrast, both the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats support maintaining the current settlement policies. For more insights on immigration and the care sector, visit [Migration Policy Institute](https://www.migrationpolicy.org) and [Home Office](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office). For further information on visa opportunities, check out [www.globemigrant.com/visa-options](www.globemigrant.com/visa-options) and [www.globemigrant.com/care-sector](www.globemigrant.com/care-sector). Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9qjeqjzd0o

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