UK Bans Immigrant Health Workers From Bringing Family Members As Dependants

The United Kingdom (UK) government has imposed a ban on international health and care workers, prohibiting them from bringing their dependants into the country on work visas. 

The UK Home Office disclosed this information through its X account on Monday, emphasizing that this decision is a crucial element of its strategy to achieve the most significant reduction in migration.

The official statement stated, “From today, care workers entering the UK on Health and Care Worker visas can no longer bring dependants.” 

A corresponding graphic banner in the post boldly declares, “Banned: Overseas care workers from bringing dependants.” 

Additionally, the announcement noted that around 120,000 people who arrived last year would no longer meet eligibility criteria under the new regulations.

In December, the UK Home Office had previously unveiled plans to address what it deemed “unprecedented” and “unsustainable” levels of legal migration to the United Kingdom. 

James Cleverly, the home secretary, outlined further details of the measures, stating that, apart from the ban on bringing dependents, workers would now need to earn a minimum of £38,700 to obtain a visa, up from £26,200.

Cleverly explained, “We will stop overseas care workers from bringing family, dependants, and we will require firms in England to be regulated by the Health Care Quality Commission in order for them to sponsor visas.” 

Notably, approximately 120,000 dependants accompanied 100,000 care workers in the year ending September 2023, with only 25% estimated to be employed, raising concerns about their impact on public services rather than contributing to economic growth.

Acknowledging the vital role of healthcare workers in the National Health Service (NHIS) and the health sector, Cleverly emphasized the need for immigrants to make a substantial financial contribution. 

Consequently, the annual immigration healthcare charge will surge by 66%, increasing from £624 to £1035. This hike aims to generate an average of £1.3 billion annually to support the country’s health services.

This move follows the recent restriction imposed on foreign students, preventing them from bringing family members. The UK Home Office justified this decision by asserting its necessity to prevent individuals from utilizing the student visa as a covert means to secure employment in the UK.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi 

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