In a move aimed at reducing migration levels and addressing immigration system abuse, the United Kingdom has announced a ban on healthcare workers from bringing dependants into the country. This decision, outlined by the Home Office, is part of a broader strategy to achieve significant reductions in net migration.

Interior Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the need to prioritize British talent and invest in the local workforce. He stated, “The first of our five points will be to end the abuse of the care visa. We will stop overseas care workers from bringing family, and dependants, and we will require firms in England to be regulated by the Health Care Quality Commission for them to sponsor visas.”

Under the revised plan, workers seeking visas will now need to earn a minimum of £38,700, up from £26,200. Care workers will also face restrictions on bringing dependants starting next April. Cleverly highlighted the aim of preventing over-reliance on migration while aligning salaries with the average full-time wage for these roles.

Additionally, the Home Office plans to increase the annual immigration healthcare charge by 66%, aiming to generate approximately £1.3 billion annually for the country’s health services. Cleverly assured that exemptions would be in place for healthcare workers arriving on social and health visas to address critical staffing needs.

The announcement of the ban was confirmed via the Home Office’s official communication channels. The government’s verified X handle stated, “From today, care workers entering the UK on Health and Care Worker visas can no longer bring dependants. This is part of our plan to deliver the biggest-ever cut in migration.”

This decision follows earlier policies, including restrictions on overseas students bringing dependants via the study visa route. The Nigerian government has also taken steps to address the issue of healthcare workers leaving the country for better opportunities. Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, highlighted measures to combat brain drain, including the directive for health workers to resign before seeking employment abroad.

By implementing these measures, the UK aims to manage immigration effectively while addressing domestic workforce needs and ensuring fair employment practices.

Author: Deborah Oyinloye

With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.

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