Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Accepted
Migrant workers face visa curtailment and uncertainty after losing employment sponsorship.
Conclusion
If an applicant loses their employment with a sponsor, or their sponsor’s licence is revoked, their visa is limited to 60 days to find employment with a new sponsor.62 After this, they are not legally entitled to stay in the United Kingdom unless they find an alternative employer to sponsor their stay or obtain another type of leave to remain in the country.63 The GLAA 55 Q 61 56 Qq 34, 61, 62 57 Q 44 58 Qq 40-43, 45 59 Qq 61, 66; IMM0005 60 Qq 65-68 61 Qq 69-70 62 Q 43 63 Q 60 18 has estimated that 34,000 people in the care sector have been affected by the Home Office revoking sponsor licences.64 We asked the Home Office about arrangements for these workers. The Home Office told us it has not been cancelling care workers’ visas since late 2023.65 However, in written evidence submissions, FLEX and the Work Rights Centre said that the Home Office has been known to delay issuing curtailment letters, which can create uncertainty, with workers lacking clear information on this policy.66
Government Response Summary
UKVI has taken steps to protect care workers affected by sponsor licence revocations, using discretionary powers not to cancel leave and instead directing them to regional partnerships for alternative employment. This approach was adopted due to the high level of non-compliance in the adult social care sector.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
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.