Britain’s immigration crackdown is threatening its £15bn ($20bn) care sector, with providers warning that the proposed changes could force some businesses to shut down.
This was disclosed in a report by Bloomberg on Sunday.
Migrant workers account for about one-third of the UK’s adult social care workforce, according to the Work Rights Centre.
Approximately 280,000 workers entered the country through the Health and Care Visa scheme between February 2022 and July 2025, before the Labour government suspended the route over concerns about its abuse.
Under proposed changes, existing visa holders would be required to switch to the Skilled Worker route from July 2028, potentially exposing them to significantly higher salary thresholds.
Care providers argue that funding from local authorities is insufficient to cover the higher wages, putting further pressure on businesses already struggling to recruit and retain workers.
Additional uncertainty stems from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposed settlement reforms, which would double the standard qualifying period for permanent residency from five to 10 years.
The proposed changes could prevent workers recruited in 2022 and 2023 from obtaining permanent residency before their existing visas expire.
Shweta Maulayah, managing director of care provider Maucare, warned that the restrictions could force her to downsize or sell the business.
The sector provides daily care and support to more than 650,000 vulnerable people across the UK, raising concerns that staffing shortages could put additional pressure on care providers and local authorities.
