Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Accepted
Applicants face extortionate visa fees abroad; Home Office relies on sponsor self-compliance for agents.
Conclusion
There is evidence that applicants have been charged extortionate fees for Skilled Worker visas in their home countries, before they come to the United Kingdom. UNISON provided us with details of its survey, which found that, of 3,000 people who came to work in the care sector, 15% had paid money to an employer and 9% had paid money to a recruiter or agency before coming to the United Kingdom.59 We asked the Home Office how it ensures people are not exploited before they come to the United Kingdom. It acknowledged that it could not control sponsors’ use of agents. Sponsors are responsible for meeting obligations on the use of overseas agents and the Home Office said that it relies on their self-compliance with sponsorship guidance. The Home Office has created a brochure to support applicants in their home countries, providing information at all visa application centres on visa fees and what people can expect from their sponsor.60 It told us that it also takes action when it receives intelligence referrals, including from the Foreign Office, suspending or revoking sponsor licences where appropriate.61
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to combat exploitation by collaborating with various enforcement bodies, establishing a working group for the construction sector, and launching a Fair Work Agency by April 2027, alongside steps to protect care workers and support regional partnerships.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2027 4.2 The Home Office collaborates with bodies such as the Director of Labour Market Enforcement, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, HMRC, DHSC, the Care Quality Commission, and Law Enforcement. The Home Office has established a working group to address abuse and exploitation in the construction sector, aiming to ensure individuals work for reputable sponsors. This initiative will continue as the government launches the Fair Work Agency, with an update to the Committee planned for April 2027, one year after its creation. Exploitation will also form part of the evidence the MAC will look at before making recommendations to the government. 4.3 The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has taken steps to protect care workers affected by sponsor licence revocations. Using discretionary powers, UKVI chose not to cancel their leave, instead directing them to regional partnerships for alternative employment. This approach, though not standard, was adopted due to the high level of non-compliance in adult social care compared to other sectors. 4.4 The Home Office continues to work with DHSC to support international recruitment regional partnerships, helping workers impacted by sponsor non-compliance transition into new roles in Adult Social Care. DHSC commissioned the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce to evaluate the 2023–24 international recruitment regional fund, with findings published in January 2025. A further evaluation of the 2024–25 fund has been commissioned and is expected in 2026.