The new policy change, introduced by the Home Office, is expected to include entry-level Band 3 staff regularly used by Gambians.
Notwithstanding, salaries for Gambian skilled workers would be increased and powers of caseworkers to refuse “non-genuine” visa applications to the short-term Student Visa route would also be strengthened.
Furthermore, recruiters must also first provide proof that they have endeavoured to recruit a worker resident in the country.
The Point understands that the current minimum salary threshold for skilled workers will slightly increase to £12.82 per hour. It signifies that they could therefore earn £25,000 per annum instead of £23,200 yearly.
Accordingly, the increase to the salary threshold after 9 April entry-level Band 3 roles will no longer be eligible for international sponsorship.
Presently, employers will need to wait until the “Agenda for Change 25/26” pay award is pronounced. It would eventually determine if it will be beyond the £25,000 salary threshold.
This correspondent also learnt that the new rules would not affect foreign workers already supported as a care worker (SOC 6135).
Additionally, those seeking to sponsor workers switching from another immigration route who has already been working for them for at least three months would not be impacted.
Despite the criticisms, some health experts described it as a “win-win situation” in which both parties benefit.
The Home Office has strongly defended the changes that it will ensure “those who came to the UK to pursue a career in adult social care can do so” and at the same time, help “end the reliance on overseas recruitment”.
Responding to this correspondent, the International Recruitment team at NHS Employers noted: “It is the NHS employers' responsibility to support employers, HR professionals and workforce leaders in the NHS in England … We are not recruiters and do not support organisations or agencies with acquiring business, or support with their recruitment processes …”
The changes are expected to take effect from 9 April 2025.
