FOR NURSING AND RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES
W W W. T H E C A R E R U K . C O M
WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE
THECARERUK
THECARERUK
THECARER_UK
Issue 265
Health and Care Worker Visa Numbers Plummet Following Policy Changes
The number of Health and Care Worker visas granted to overseas applicants has fallen dramatically, according to newly released government immigration statistics, with grants down nearly 90% from their highest point. During the twelve months to September 2025, authorities issued 16,606 visas to principal applicants under this route. This represents a stark contrast to the 145,823 visas granted in the year ending December 2023, when international recruitment for the sector reached its peak.
This significant fall follows a period in which international staff have played a crucial role in driving down vacancy rates, from a high of 10.5% in 2022 to 7% in 2025. The figures demonstrate that the overall reduction in work-related immigration is largely attributable to diminished recruitment within health and social care services.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)