The British government faces a challenging task: addressing labor shortages without heavily relying on foreign workers. Here's an overview of their strategy.
A "Plan for Change" that impacts expatriate caregivers
The government's "Plan for Change" aims to curb immigration by restricting the recruitment of international workers while still providing immigration avenues for certain foreign professionals. Starting April 9, a new directive specifically targets expatriate caregivers. Employers will now be required to demonstrate that they have attempted to sponsor a worker already residing in the UK before seeking to hire from abroad. This move underscores the government's priority to utilize the foreign workforce already present within the country.
Increase in the minimum salary threshold
The directive introduces an increase in the minimum salary threshold, adjusting for the cost of living. Qualified work visa holders will now receive a minimum hourly wage of £12.82, which corresponds to an annual salary of £25,000, up from the previous £23,000.
Enhanced controls for employers
The directive introduces stricter controls to prevent employer abuses and the exploitation of expatriates. In November 2024, the government implemented measures to intensify the crackdown on visa fraud by unscrupulous employers.
A governmental strategy under scrutiny
Does the government's recent policy changes promote British economic growth? The National Audit Office is skeptical, highlighting a disconnect among various ministries. Particularly under fire is the Home Office for its 2022 adjustments to the entry rules for foreign caregivers during Sunak's presidency, which were implemented without a preceding impact assessment. An impact study was only commissioned this year.
The National Audit Office criticizes the Home Office for not fully recognizing the economic contributions of foreign caregivers, whose numbers have risen since 2022 following the expansion of the qualified worker visa to include nursing assistants. Additionally, the Audit Office identifies a significant lack of governmental effort in addressing the exploitation of expatriates, especially in healthcare, citing "numerous instances of exploitation" like forced labor. Despite this, there has been an increase in the Home Office's efforts to enhance controls and combat abuses linked to the qualified work visa system.
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