UK ban on overseas care workers from bringing families starts this week

The UK government has introduced strict visa regulations which prevent overseas care workers, including those from India, from bringing their dependent family members to the UK.

The UK government has introduced strict visa regulations which prevent overseas care workers, including those from India, from bringing their dependent family members to the UK.

This move follows concerns raised by the UK Home Office over what it perceives as an imbalanced ratio of dependents accompanying care workers using the visa route. A staggering 120,000 dependents have accompanied 100,000 workers in the care sector just last year, according to the UK Government.

These changes come into force as the government is set to lay rules in Parliament later this week (14 March).

UK Home Secretary James Cleverly underscored the necessity of addressing abuse and manipulation within the immigration system, citing unsustainable migration figures as the impetus behind the new rules.

“Care workers make an incredible contribution to our society, taking care of our loved ones in times of need. But we cannot justify inaction in the face of clear abuse, manipulation of our immigration system, and unsustainable migration numbers,” said UK Home Secretary James Cleverly.

“It is neither right nor fair to allow this unacceptable situation to continue. We promised the British people action, and we will not rest until we have delivered on our commitment to bring numbers down substantially. Our plan is robust but fair – protecting British workers while ensuring the very best international talent can work and study here, to add value to our society and grow the economy,” he said.