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Written question asked by Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 2026. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Care Workers: Migrant Workers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department plans to take with (a) the Department for Health and Social Care and (b) local authorities to help ensure that immigration reforms support (i) recruitment to social care vacancies and (ii) the implementation of statutory duties under the Care Act 2014.

Answer

The Government published the Immigration White Paper ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System last year which announced the intention to end overseas recruitment for social care visas. The new Immigration Rules which prohibit overseas recruitment took effect in July 2025, however transitional arrangements exist for individuals already in the UK to switch into the route. The transitional arrangements are due expire in 2028 but will be subject to regular review.

The Home Office continues to work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funded Regional Partnerships to support care workers, who have been impacted by exploitative employers. DHSC are funding 15 regional hubs in England, made up of Local Authorities and Directors of Adult Social Services, working together to support displaced workers into new roles within the care sector. These regional hubs have received £12.5 million this financial year to support them to prevent and respond to unethical practices in the sector.

The Government remains committed to supporting Health & Care visa holders who wish to pursue a career in the adult social care sector.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
118101
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Migrant workers Care workers
Legislation
Care Act 2014
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk