Johannesburg — Move Up, a leading platform for international recruitment and migration services, is drawing attention to the significant challenges faced by the UK health and care sectors following recent changes to immigration policies.
These changes, effective from March and April 2024, have introduced new restrictions that are impacting the recruitment and retention of international health and care workers in the UK.
Key Impacts of the New Immigration Rules:
- Dependent Visa Restrictions: As of March 11, 2024, care workers and senior care workers are no longer permitted to bring dependents to the UK. This policy shift aims to regulate the influx of dependents but poses significant challenges for potential migrants seeking family unity.
- Increased Salary Thresholds: From April 4, 2024, the minimum salary threshold for Health and Care Visa applicants has been raised to £23,200, with roles outside national pay scales facing a threshold of £29,000. This increase may deter international professionals from entering the UK health and care sectors, as these thresholds exceed many starting salaries.
- Sponsorship Limitations: Only Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered providers in England can sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. This restriction limits the pool of eligible employers and may affect the availability of positions for international recruits.
Challenges and Opportunities:
The UK health and care sectors have historically relied on international workers to fill critical staffing gaps. However, these new restrictions could exacerbate existing recruitment challenges, particularly in the social care industry, which is already struggling with high vacancy rates.
Employers may need to rethink their recruitment strategies, focusing more on local talent or exploring new international markets less affected by these changes.
Despite these challenges, the UK government maintains that these measures are necessary to control net migration and ensure that immigrants can financially support themselves without relying on public funds.
However, the lack of concrete evidence supporting the effectiveness of these policies leaves stakeholders questioning their long-term impact on workforce dynamics.
About Move Up
Move Up is dedicated to facilitating international recruitment and migration, providing comprehensive services to individuals and organizations navigating complex immigration systems. Our mission is to support global mobility and workforce diversity, ensuring that skilled professionals can contribute to economies worldwide.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ryan Rennison
Director
MoveUp.co.za
info@moveup.co.za
021 761 4608