Keeping you informed.
Immigration law update: Expansion of Health and Care Visa Scheme
On 24 December 2021, it was announced by the government that care workers, care assistants and home care workers would become eligible for a Health and Care Visa for a 12-month period. In their press release, they state ‘this will make it quicker, cheaper and easier for social care employers to recruit eligible workers to fill vital gaps.’
They note that this is due to staff shortages within social care sector and pressures on the existing workforce. The announcement follows the recommendation from the Migration Advisory Committee to make care workers and home carers eligible for the Health and Care visa.
To understand the pressures and issues placed by the social care sector, at GNR Solicitors we have taken a deeper dive to help care providers understand the requirements.
Visa boost for social care and extension of seasonal worker visa route
On 24 December 2021, the government made two announcements with respect to visas for care staff within the social care sector, as well as seasonal workers within the horticulture sector.