UK care worker visa extension plan called 'cruel' by campaigners

Campaigners have described the plan as "cruel and unconscionable," highlighting the potential negative impact on individuals who are vital to the UK's social care sector. The extension would mean a decade of work and contribution to the country before achieving settled status. Unions and workers express concerns that such a policy could lead to a mass exodus of care workers, exacerbating existing staffing shortages within the sector. The proposal is reportedly backed by a minister within the Home Office, indicating a potential push for its implementation.

This proposed change comes at a time when the social care sector is already facing significant challenges, including recruitment and retention issues. Many care workers are on the Skilled Worker visa route, which currently allows for permanent residency after five years. Extending this period could deter new workers from coming to the UK and encourage existing staff to leave for countries with more favorable immigration policies. The opposition argues that this move is counterproductive to the government's stated goals of strengthening the social care system.