The Big Visa Boost – What the changes to the Health and Care Worker Visa means for the Adult Social Care Sector

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted a number of imbalances within the UK economy and an area that has particularly suffered is the Adult Social Care Sector. Hit by two unprecedented events, first Brexit and then the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector has suffered an increase in the demand for services at the same time as a reduction in the amount of potential workers when freedom of movement ended and the supply of overseas workers diminished.

Recognising the need for change the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced temporary expansion to the eligibility requirements of the Health and Care Worker Visa making the permission available to care workers. While Senior Care Workers have been eligible since the launch of the new Points-Based System, the new changes aim to combat the lack of workers available to fill the “hands-on” practical roles caring for the vulnerable and elderly.

The change means that the roles within SOC Code 6145 (which includes Care Assistants, Care Workers, and Support Workers) will be added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) – this follows an early recommendation from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). It is also the only roles below RQF Level 3 to be added to the SOL.

The SOL comprises of roles deemed by the Government to be in short supply within the UK labour market – such roles benefit from lower visa fees, a lower minimum salary threshold and individuals are exempt from having to meet a higher salary threshold before being able to apply for settlement.

Kevin Foster, Minister for Safe and Legal Migration, confirmed in his letter dated 24 December 2021 to Professor Brian Bell of the MAC that the inclusion of roles falling under SOC Code 6145 would be a temporary measure (12 month window) and that there would be an internal review at a later stage in 2022.

The expansion of the SOL is certainly a welcome move and one we hope will go some way to easing the recruitment shortages faced within the social care sector. Individuals who may be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa will benefit from a 50% visa fee reduction, an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge and a quicker decision on their application.

Next Steps for Employers

To obtain a Health and Care Worker Visa, eligible care workers will need to have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for their given role. This will need to have been issued by an employer who is an approved Sponsor Licence holder.

Care providers who do not already hold a Sponsor Licence can take advantage of the expansion to the Health and Care Worker route by making an application for a Sponsor Licence now. Processing times for a Sponsor Licence application can take 8 weeks and therefore it is advisable to apply prior to any confirmed recruitment plans.

Should you have any questions about the changes that have been announced please do not hesitate to contact Sundeep Rathod or anyone in the Immigration Team.

Please note that this blog is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content of this blog.

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