Industry experts said the news will ‘bring considerable relief to workers, their families and the people they support.’
Migrant care workers who came to the UK before May 2025 will be able to apply to settle after five years, under revised immigration plans announced by the home secretary.
Shabana Mahmood told MPs in the House of Commons on Monday (2 November) that workers who’ve earned at least £25,000 a year and met the conditions of their visas would retain the five year route to settlement.
The news marks a U-turn on previous plans, which could’ve left some care workers waiting up to 15 years before they could apply to stay in the UK permanently.
Workers who don’t meet the requirements, including some who’ve lost their jobs or sponsorship through no fault of their own, will be able to apply for a further five year care visa.
Andy Burnham, who promised to back the home secretary’s migration plans in his Makerfield byelection, said: ‘People want to see an immigration system based on control, contribution, and which rewards those who play by the rules.
‘It is only fair that those who are making the most valuable contribution to our communities are given the opportunity to settle earlier. Those in other roles should expect to wait longer while people who abuse the system or arrive illegally will be refused or will also have to wait longer.’
However, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed the decision could cost taxpayers £10bn and, Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage said it marks ‘the beginning of the capitulation’.
Despite political cynicism, industry experts have welcomed the news. Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: ‘International care workers stood by this country during the pandemic, providing essential care when we needed them most.
‘Yet the previous proposals threatened to undermine their future here, without offering a credible plan to recruit and retain more workers from within the UK. Care England has consistently raised these concerns, alongside many others, and it is encouraging that those voices have been heard.’
Dr Jane Townson, chief executive of the Homecare Association, also praised the government’s announcement, stating it will ‘bring considerable relief to workers, their families and the people they support.’
‘Our members have consistently warned that extending settlement would drive experienced staff away,’ Townson continued. ‘Retaining them protects trusted relationships and helps people continue living safely at home.’
In the same breath, Townson states Mahmood’s decision ‘is not a blanket exemption, and the detail matters.’
‘Some workers have lost earnings because their sponsor provided too few hours, failed to pay them or lost its licence,’ she added.
‘That does not mean they were unwilling to contribute. Describing a further five year visa as a second chance risks blaming people for circumstances beyond their control.
‘We welcome more time to find a legitimate employer and help to move away from rogue sponsors. But workers who have already spent years here must have that time recognised.’
Image: House of Commons
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