UK Introduces New Immigration Rules for Skilled Worker Visa
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The new UK government has introduced rules to protect Skilled Worker visa holders, including care workers, with minimum wage and anti-exploitation measures.
New rules released by the UK government ensure that those working on the Skilled Worker visa, including care workers, are paid a minimum hourly wage.
Key Changes in the Skilled Worker Visa
The new UK immigration rules mandate that employers in England must first recruit international care workers already present in the country and seek new sponsorship before hiring individuals from overseas.
From 9 April onwards, any care provider who wants to recruit an overseas worker first needs to prove that they have attempted to recruit a worker from within England who is looking for new sponsorship.
The new requirements continue to hoard government actions announced in November to crack down on employers who abuse the visa system, banning those who are frequently breaking the immigration or employment laws from hiring workers overseas and will help support those workers into new jobs.
The overall aim of the UK government is to prevent exploitation and ensure fair hiring practices.
Elimination of Visa System Abuse
The government of the UK is cancelling sponsor licences of employers who are frequently violating immigration or employment laws.
Companies have been banned from changing workers for sponsorship costs, addressing debts and exploitation in the care sector.
Since July 2022, close to 470 care sector sponsor licenses have been canceled, affecting 39,000+ workers.
New Minimum Salary Requirements
With the new regulation of minimum hourly wage, new rules are enforced for Skilled Worker visa holders. Here are the updated National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates effective April 2025:
Category | New Hourly Wage | Increase |
National Living Wage (21+) | £12.21 | +£0.77 |
18–20 Year Old Rate | £10.00 | +£1.40 |
16–17 Year Old Rate | £7.55 | +£1.15 |
Apprentice Rate | £7.55 | +£1.15 |
Tighter Rules for Short-Term Student Visas
The short-term student route (for 6-11 months of English courses) is under inspection due to misuse.
The concerns here are fake enrollments and overstaying. The new measures may include stricter checks.
The UK's new immigration rules for skilled worker visas reflect a dual focus: protecting workers from exploitation while ensuring businesses can access talent that deserves recognition. However, these changes come with challenges. Care providers and other industries reliant on overseas labor may face staffing shortages if they struggle to meet higher wage demands.
Will these challenges strike the right balance, or will there be any further adjustments?
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