The UK Government is introducing stringent measures to address visa abuse and protect overseas workers from exploitation, delivering on a key manifesto commitment to tackle unethical practices in recruitment and employment. Rogue employers who commit serious offences, such as repeated violations of visa rules or failure to pay the National Minimum Wage, will face enhanced penalties, including a ban on sponsoring overseas workers for a minimum of two years.
Strengthening Compliance and Accountability
Under the current system, sanctions for non-compliance with visa rules are limited to a 12-month period. However, the government’s proposed changes will double this timeframe for repeat offenders. These reforms specifically target rogue employers, ensuring they are held accountable for unethical practices. Furthermore, a new system of strengthened action plans will compel businesses guilty of minor breaches to implement corrective measures. These plans, which could previously be applied for a maximum of three months, will now last up to 12 months, ensuring sustained adherence to visa regulations.
The reforms aim to prevent exploitation before it escalates, with early intervention measures introduced for businesses showing signs of non-compliance. Rogue employers found failing to meet these obligations risk having their sponsor licences revoked. By taking a firm stance, the government seeks to deter unethical practices and create a fairer environment for overseas workers.
Protecting Vulnerable Workers
A significant focus of these measures is to protect international workers, particularly in the care sector, from unethical recruitment practices. In many cases, overseas care workers have faced exploitation through inflated charges for sponsorship costs, leaving them burdened with unsustainable debt. The new rules will mandate employers to bear all sponsorship-related costs themselves, ending the practice of transferring these expenses to workers.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, emphasised the government’s commitment to eradicating worker exploitation. “It is completely unacceptable that international workers, many of whom come here to support our health and social care systems, are being plunged into insecurity and debt. These changes will ensure fairness for workers and accountability for employers.” Home Office
Tackling Illegal Employment
In a broader effort to address illegal working and exploitation, the government is increasing the frequency and scope of targeted enforcement visits. October 2024 saw a 55% increase in visits compared to the same month last year, leading to over 4,600 arrests for illegal working between January and October. A range of sanctions will be taken against those employing illegal workers, including business closure orders, financial penalty notices and potential prosecution
Supporting Ethical Recruitment in Social Care
The care sector has been particularly affected by unethical practices, with around 450 sponsor licences revoked since mid-2022. In response, the government is collaborating with care providers and regional partnerships to uphold ethical recruitment standards. A £16 million funding initiative supports international care workers by helping them understand their rights, switch employers, and continue contributing to the care sector when their sponsor’s licence has been revoked.
Integrating Migration and Labour Market Policies
These measures are part of a wider strategy to reduce reliance on international workers and align migration policies with broader labour market reforms. The proposed Employment Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, will establish the Fair Work Agency to consolidate enforcement of employment laws, including the National Minimum Wage and regulations for employment agencies.
Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, highlighted the importance of migrant workers while condemning unethical practices: “Migrant workers are vital to our care workforce. However, it is unacceptable that some employers have exploited these individuals. These reforms will ensure fairness, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable workers.” Home Office
Through these decisive actions, the government aims to create a fairer and more sustainable immigration system, ensuring businesses adhere to ethical practices while protecting the rights and dignity of overseas workers.
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