The money has been made available through the Scottish government to help employers hire workers who have been displaced by immigration policy changes.
The Adult Social Care Displaced Worker Scheme opened yesterday, offering support to employers facing recruitment challenges in a sector already struggling with workforce shortages.
Statistics reveal a 88% drop in health and care worker visas granted for caring personal service occupations in the year to June 2025. The decline follows the UK government’s decision to exclude dependants from visa applications in March 2024 and the closure of the social care visa route in July 2025.
Funding is aimed at international workers already in the UK who have lost their sponsored employment through circumstances beyond their control, such as when employers lose their sponsorship licenses.
Scottish social care employers can apply for funding to hire up to three displaced workers. To qualify, employers must hold a current health and care visa sponsor license, have legitimate unfilled vacancies and be registered with the Care Inspectorate.
Announcing the opening of the fund in the Scottish Parliament, social care minister Tom Arthur said: ‘The UK government’s decision to end the international recruitment of care workers, without sufficient notice or any substantial consultation on the impact, has already been devastating for the care sector in Scotland. The industry is highly dependent on international workers and we greatly value the contribution made by people who settle and work in our communities.
‘The impact of the UK government’s measures will exacerbate existing workforce shortages across the care sector and directly undermine the ability to provide safe, dignified and consistent care to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
‘Scotland has many talented and compassionate international care workers who call our country home, and through this £500,000 fund I am determined that workers be welcomed here, supporting our communities and making a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable.’
Scottish care chief executive Dr Donald Macaskill said: ‘Scottish Care welcomes the launch of the Adult Social Care Displaced Worker Scheme and the vital support it offers to international staff who play an essential role in Scotland’s social care sector.
‘Recent Home Office policy changes have once again intensified pressures on care providers and staff teams at a time when demand for services is high and organisations continue to face significant challenges in recruiting sufficient numbers of skilled workers.
‘Scottish Care will continue to work with the government and other partners to ensure these valued colleagues remain part of our communities and to advocate for sustainable workforce solutions that safeguard the future of social care in Scotland.’
Image: chris robert/UnSplash
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