Increase in UK care worker visa scams

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The UK’s health and care sector has become an increasingly attractive route for foreign nationals seeking employment and long-term residency. However, with the rapid expansion of the Health and Care Worker visa scheme, there has also been a troubling rise in immigration-related scams targeting vulnerable individuals abroad.

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At the heart of the visa process is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a document issued by licensed UK employers and required before an overseas applicant can apply for a visa. While the sponsorship system is designed to ensure legitimate employment and controlled migration, it has also created a point of vulnerability. Unscrupulous intermediaries and rogue recruitment agents are now exploiting this requirement, offering fake or non-existent job placements in exchange for large sums of money.

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In many cases, candidates are promised jobs that either don’t exist or fall far short of what was advertised. Victims often arrive in the UK to find themselves without employment, financial support, or a path forward, having already spent thousands of pounds on supposed relocation and job placement fees.

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Recognising the growing scale of abuse, the UK government has begun to implement measures aimed at tightening oversight and reducing exploitation. From 9th April 2025, employers will be required to consider care workers already residing in the UK before sponsoring new candidates from overseas. This aims to reduce dependency on international recruitment and limit opportunities for fraud.

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Additionally, enforcement activity has been intensified. Immigration authorities are conducting more compliance checks, especially in sectors identified as high-risk, such as adult social care. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate prospective migrants about common scam tactics and where to seek help.

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For individuals seeking employment in the UK, due diligence is critical. Applicants should avoid paying any fees to secure a job offer, as charging for employment is illegal under UK law. They should also verify the status of any sponsoring employer through the official Home Office register and be cautious of third-party agents offering “guaranteed” placements or rushing the process.

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Employers, meanwhile, must be vigilant about how their sponsorship status is used. Any collaboration with external recruiters should be carefully vetted to ensure compliance with immigration law and ethical hiring practices. Partnering with illegitimate agents could not only result in reputational damage but may also lead to sponsor licence revocation or civil penalties.

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Contact and Disclaimer

Should you have any queries regarding the above information or require assistance with your corporate, employment, or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

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The information provided does not amount to legal advice.

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