Home Office fails to track visa expirations and migrant workers' status
2025-07-03 23:05- The government has not collected basic data about visa expirations and the status of migrants in the UK.
- There is widespread evidence of exploitation of migrant workers, particularly in the social care sector.
- The Home Office's failure to monitor and analyze exit checks contributes to illegal migration and worker vulnerability.
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Insights
In the UK, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlighted significant gaps in the government's knowledge regarding the status of individuals who remain in the country after their visas expire. This concern was raised following the introduction of the skilled worker visa route in December 2020, aimed at attracting skilled professionals post-Brexit. By the end of 2024, approximately 1.18 million individuals had applied for visas under this scheme, with around 630,000 being dependents. Despite this influx, the PAC identified a troubling lack of basic information regarding compliance with visa regulations, as it remains unclear how many individuals leave the country upon visa expiration or how many may be working illegally. Furthermore, since the introduction of the visa category, no exit checks have been thoroughly analyzed by the Home Office, which hinders efforts to mitigate potential abuses within the labor market. Amid these failures, MPs noted evidence of significant exploitation among migrant workers in sectors such as social care, exacerbated by a high volume of applications and insufficient oversight of sponsorship practices. The committee chair criticized the previous Conservative government's rapid expansion of the visa system, warning that it has led to increased vulnerabilities for workers and compromised systemic integrity. In response to these challenges, the PAC urged the government to develop a better understanding of immigration's role in workforce strategies to address labor shortages and the ongoing issues within the care sector.
Contexts
The impact of Brexit on UK visa policies has been a significant area of discussion since the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. As of January 1, 2021, the UK implemented a new points-based immigration system, which was a major shift from the previous arrangements that allowed for freedom of movement between the UK and EU member states. The new system aims to attract skilled workers from around the globe, but has also raised concerns about the potential barriers it creates for certain groups, particularly those from EU countries, who previously enjoyed more accessible pathways to live and work in the UK. This new framework has been designed to simplify the visa application process while ensuring that it remains competitive and aligned with the economic needs of the UK labor market. One of the key features of the points-based system is the requirement for visa applicants to meet specific criteria, including English language proficiency and a job offer from an approved employer. This marks a departure from previous EU arrangements, under which EU citizens could move to the UK without a visa. The new policies have prompted reactions from various sectors, including businesses and universities, who express concerns regarding talent shortages and the ability to recruit skilled workers from EU nations. The healthcare sector, for instance, has been particularly vocal about the need for more healthcare professionals, highlighting how stricter visa regulations could further exacerbate existing staffing challenges. Moreover, the impact of Brexit is also reflected in family reunification policies and the rights of EU citizens residing in the UK prior to the Brexit transition. The EU Settlement Scheme was introduced to protect the rights of EU nationals already living in the UK, but there have been concerns over awareness and access to this program, particularly among vulnerable groups. These developments illustrate the complexities and emotional ramifications of changing immigration policies, as longstanding residents confront uncertainties regarding their legal status and future in the UK. In conclusion, the repercussions of Brexit on UK visa policies are multifaceted, affecting not just immigration strategies but also societal and economic structures within the UK. While the intention of a points-based system is to enhance the caliber of immigration, it also poses challenges for numerous sectors that rely heavily on EU talent. Balancing the needs of the labor market with the intricacies of immigration law will be crucial for the UK in the post-Brexit landscape, shaping future policies that support economic growth while fostering inclusivity and diversity.
