The Home Office has confirmed that ‘in-country switching’ will remain permitted until 2028 (subject to review), offering some short-term reassurance for providers and workers already in the UK. This includes continued access to students and graduates, and flexibility for existing sponsored staff.
A transition period will remain in place until 2028 (subject to ongoing review), during which ‘in-country switching’ will continue to be permitted. This means that care providers will still be able to recruit individuals already in the UK on routes such as the Student and Graduate visas – groups that have supported workforce capacity significantly in recent years.
In addition, international workers who are sponsored to work legally in the sector by the end of the transition period will be able to extend their stay, switch sponsors, and apply for settlement, in line with the applicable rules at the time. Importantly, this includes those needing to change employers due to a sponsor licence revocation.
While the overall direction of policy remains challenging, this clarification provides some continuity and flexibility for providers and workers currently operating within the system.
As always, HCPA will continue to share updates as further details become available. Read the full white paper, click here.