Japa: UK Implements Dependents Ban for Migrant Caregivers, Health Workers

The United Kingdom has initiated the enforcement of a ban on dependents for migrant caregivers and health workers, effective immediately. The decision, aimed at reducing overall migration, prohibits care workers entering the UK on Health and Care Worker visas from bringing their dependents.

The UK Home Office announced the measure via its official handle, emphasizing its commitment to achieving the most significant cut in migration. The decision was part of a broader strategy unveiled in December, with Social Care Minister Helen Whately expressing gratitude for overseas care workers’ contributions while underlining that immigration is not the long-term solution to social care needs.

As the UK government strives to curb the surge in net migration, which has reached unprecedented levels, additional restrictions have been introduced. These include limitations on family members accompanying foreign students pursuing non-research postgraduate courses.

Net migration, after a pandemic-induced decline, has been steadily rising and is projected to reach a record high this year. November 2022 official figures estimated net migration to June 2022 at just over 500,000.

Under the newly proposed regulations, only students enrolled in postgraduate courses designated as research programs will be permitted to bring dependents to the UK. Moreover, overseas students will be restricted from transitioning “out of the student route into work routes” before completing their studies. The government plans to enhance enforcement activities and crack down on unscrupulous agents exploiting education as a cover for immigration.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman disclosed that 136,000 visas were issued to dependents of international students last year, marking an eight-fold increase from the 16,000 issued in 2019, as stated in a parliamentary statement.