The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced a ban on international health and care workers from bringing their dependents to the country on work visas, as part of its efforts to reduce migration levels and address abuse of the immigration system.
The ban applies to care workers entering the UK on Health and Care Worker visas, prohibiting them from bringing their dependents with them.
According to the UK Home Office, this move is part of its plan to deliver the biggest-ever cut in migration, with the aim of reducing unprecedented and unsustainable levels of legal migration to the country.
James Cleverly, the home secretary, stated that the new measure will require workers to earn at least £38,700 to obtain a visa, up from £26,200. Care workers will also be barred from bringing in dependents starting from next April.
The UK government aims to encourage businesses to prioritize British talent and invest in their workforce. This includes deterring employers from over-relying on migration and bringing salaries in line with the average full-time salary for these types of jobs.
Cleverly’s plan is expected to result in 300,000 fewer people coming to the UK in the coming years.
The Home Office emphasizes the importance of immigrants making a significant financial contribution, hence the increase in the annual immigration healthcare charge by 66% from £624 to £1035. This increase aims to raise an average of £1.3 billion for the country’s health services every year.
The announcement was made through posts on the UK Home Office’s official communication channel, X, stating the new regulations and the rationale behind them.
Overall, the ban on healthcare workers bringing dependents to the UK reflects the government’s broader strategy to reform the immigration system, prioritize British workers, and ensure financial sustainability in the healthcare sector.
