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A growing number of migrant care workers in the UK say new immigration proposals are “tearing families apart” and leaving them uncertain about their future.
One of them is Lyn Muchegwa, a 36-year-old carer from Zimbabwe who moved to Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with her husband and two children in February 2023. She arrived on a five-year Health and Care Worker Visa sponsored by a care company, with hopes of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once that five-year period was complete.
But under new UK visa rule proposals, the government may double the settlement period to ten years, meaning migrants like Lyn would have to remain with their sponsoring employer for an entire decade before qualifying for permanent residency.
A Sudden Shift That’s Left Families in Limbo
The UK government has announced plans to cut legal immigration numbers and tighten settlement pathways for foreign workers. One of the measures being discussed would require most migrants to live and work in the UK for 10 years before applying for settled status, instead of the current five.
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that consultations on the proposal will take place later this year, with more details promised about “transitional arrangements” for people already in the country.
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However, this uncertainty is already causing emotional and financial distress for thousands of immigrant families.
“It’s really concerning because you are just stuck in one place, with one employer,” Lyn said. “Your visa limits you, you can’t explore other sectors or progress your career freely.”
‘You Feel Trapped’, The Human Cost of Visa Sponsorship
To qualify for a UK Work Visa, candidates must first obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer. That employer then becomes the sole sponsor, meaning workers cannot change jobs freely until their visa or sponsorship ends.
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According to immigration law expert Kim Edmonds, many care workers take sponsored jobs with the hope of moving on after securing ILR. But the proposed rule change could crush that plan entirely.
“Imagine being told you must now stay another five years, it’s devastating,” Edmonds said. “Many already work long hours for little pay, some with no paid travel time between clients, and others afraid to complain because they might lose their sponsorship.”
Stories of Exploitation and Fear
While some carers, like Lyn, are lucky to have fair employers, others report harsh and exploitative working conditions.
A Zimbabwean live-in carer named Mary, who also works in Gloucestershire, said she often pays out of pocket to help fellow carers learn to drive because many must travel by bus, even at midnight, to reach their clients.
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She added that despite being licensed by the Home Office, some care companies exploit foreign workers by threatening to withdraw their sponsorship.
“If you refuse a shift, they tell you, ‘I’ll take your CoS.’ Everyone is afraid. It’s like being suffocated,” Mary explained. “They’re ready to explode from the pressure.”
Experts Warn: Rule Change Could Backfire
The Care Workers’ Charity, which represents and supports carers across the UK, has warned that changing visa rules mid-stream could “undermine trust and stability” and increase the risk of worker exploitation.
“It makes people feel unwanted,” said CEO Karolina Gerlich. “Some may begin looking to other countries like Canada, where their skills are more respected and opportunities are more open.”
The organization’s advisory board also noted that such changes could add emotional and financial strain to families already struggling to stay together.
By the Numbers
160,601 Health and Care visas have been issued to foreign workers between 2021 and mid-2025.
The UK government recently ended overseas recruitment for adult social care on 22 July 2025, citing “significant concerns over abuse and exploitation.”
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Officials say they are now working with local authorities to address illegal or unethical employment practices in the care sector.
“It’s Not a Stable Life”
For Lyn and others like her, the uncertainty has put life plans on hold. She dreams of one day running her own care business, but that dream feels distant now.
“We don’t know where we stand,” she said. “You’re stressed, away from your children most of the time, and it’s tearing us apart as a family.”
Final Thoughts: The Bigger Picture
For many immigrants, the UK has long been seen as a place of opportunity. But as visa rules tighten and settlement pathways become longer, workers are beginning to question whether the system truly values their contribution.
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The message from carers like Lyn and Mary is clear, they don’t want handouts, just fair treatment, clarity, and the chance to build stable lives for their families.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Visa rules and policies may change, readers are encouraged to consult official UK Home Office updates or seek professional immigration guidance before making decisions.