The UK government announced on Thursday tougher sanctions against employers exploiting migrant workers, following findings of widespread abuse, particularly within the social care sector.
Under the new measures, businesses found repeatedly violating visa rules or committing serious employment offences, such as failing to pay the minimum wage, will face a two-year ban on hiring overseas staff. This doubles the current penalty of a 12-month suspension.
UK Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra condemned the exploitation, calling it “unacceptable” and highlighting the troubling conditions faced by migrant care workers.
“Shamefully, these practices have been particularly prevalent in our care sector, where individuals coming to the UK to support our health and social care services have too often found themselves mired in unjustifiable insecurity and debt. This must end,” she stated.
A new visa pathway introduced in 2021 aimed to alleviate chronic staffing shortages in social care. However, issues such as low wages and poor working conditions have left many migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation.
Statistics reveal that nearly a third of care workers in England are migrants, with many hailing from countries including India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines.
Since July 2022, the government has revoked approximately 450 licences in the care sector, preventing non-compliant employers from recruiting foreign staff.
In addition, companies committing minor visa infractions will now face stricter corrective measures. These action plans, previously enforceable for three months, will now remain in place for a year to ensure compliance.
The government’s move underscores a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable workers and upholding labour standards in key industries, as it continues to address the labour shortage crisis.
