Last year, we published a brief update regarding the government’s proposed restrictions on overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers. Since then, we have continued to receive a significant number of enquiries from both employers and migrant workers particularly concerning the “switching” provisions and how these rules operate in practice.This article expands on those earlier updates and aims to clarify the current position for individuals and sponsors affected by the changes.
The confusion is understandable. Many workers are receiving conflicting information from employers, agents, and social media sources regarding whether they can still switch into care worker sponsorship, whether overseas recruitment remains possible, and what evidence employers must now provide to the Home Office.The reality is that the rules have become considerably more restrictive, and careful attention must now be given to sponsorship compliance and eligibility requirements.
The Key Change: Overseas Recruitment Ends on 22 July 2025
From 22 July 2025, sponsors will no longer be able to recruit new overseas applicants for the following roles under the Skilled Worker route:
- SOC 2020 occupation code 6135 — Care workers and home carers
- SOC 2020 occupation code 6136 — Senior care workers
