The UK government announced on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 that the number of migrants applying to work in the health and social care sectors has dropped by more than 75 percent in the first four months of this year due to stricter visa regulations. This decline comes despite the sectors facing severe staff shortages, partly driven by post-Brexit immigration rules.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration has introduced measures aimed at reducing both regular and irregular immigration ahead of a general election anticipated this year. Notably, social care workers from overseas are no longer allowed to bring dependents, and the minimum salary for skilled workers has been increased from £26,200 to £38,700.
Data from the Home Office revealed that health and care skilled worker visa applications fell from 50,900 in early 2022 to 12,400 in the same period this year. Care England, representing independent care providers, highlighted a significant staffing crisis with 152,000 vacancies in the sector, many previously filled by overseas workers before the end of EU freedom of movement.
Home Secretary James Cleverly claimed, “The plan to deliver the largest-ever cut to legal migration in our country’s history is working.” However, other skilled worker visa applications rose by 41 percent year-on-year.
Additionally, the government’s crackdown on migration has affected student visas, with a 12-percent decrease in sponsored study visa applications and a 79-percent reduction in applications from dependents.
On irregular migration, the government aims to deport 5,700 migrants to Rwanda this year as part of its strategy to prevent small boat crossings from France. Despite these measures, the Conservatives remain significantly behind the Labour Party in opinion polls as the election approaches, with the exact date still unannounced.
