In a landmark move, the Scottish Government has introduced a new support pathway designed specifically for overseas social care workers affected by the UK’s recent visa policy changes. With social care providers across Scotland facing critical labour shortages, this initiative aims to bring stability to the sector while offering displaced workers a much-needed second chance.

Apical Immigration Experts brings you this important update for care professionals seeking new opportunities in the UK.

Highlights: Scotland Introduces Support Route for Displaced Overseas Carers

  • A £500,000 relocation and support fund has been launched to help displaced international care workers move to Scotland.
  • The new initiative supports workers who lost sponsorship due to UK immigration rule changes enforced since March 2024.
  • Health & Care Worker Visa grants for care roles have dropped by 88%, creating major workforce gaps across the UK.
  • Some Scottish care providers rely on up to 90% overseas staff, underlining the urgent demand for foreign-trained carers.
  • The first group of relocating care workers is expected to begin roles before Christmas 2025.

Scotland Creates New Opportunities for Overseas Care Workers Affected by UK Visa Restrictions

The UK Government’s March 2024 immigration reforms significantly tightened sponsorship rules for foreign social care workers. Thousands of carers from India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and other countries suddenly found themselves without sponsored employment-despite contributing meaningfully to the UK’s care industry. To address this disruption, Scotland has stepped forward with a dedicated support route, backed by a £500,000 relocation fund. The initiative targets:
  • International care workers already in the UK
  • Workers who lost sponsorship due to newly introduced visa restrictions
  • Trained carers willing to relocate to Scotland’s understaffed social care sector
This move strengthens Scotland’s commitment to international recruitment-especially as providers across the nation continue to experience severe staffing shortages.

Scotland Welcomes Global Care Workers to Rebuild Their Careers

This new relocation support scheme is more than a temporary fix-it provides a sustainable pathway for skilled global care workers who want to restart their careers in Scotland.

Benefits for Overseas Carers:

  • A valid route to continue working legally in the UK through a Scottish sponsor.
  • Financial support to ease relocation, settlement, and onboarding costs.
  • Access to an industry experiencing urgent and long-term worker demand.
  • A more welcoming migration environment, as the Scottish Government actively recognises the value of international carers.
Scottish leaders have criticised the UK Government’s plan to eliminate the broader Social Care Visa Route by July 2025, calling it damaging to the care sector. In contrast, Scotland is positioning itself as a supportive destination for global care talent. For many displaced international workers-especially those from India already living in the UK-this initiative offers a timely chance to secure stability before visa deadlines close in.

How Scotland’s £500,000 Fund Will Support Overseas Care Workers

The support fund will help eligible workers with key expenses, including:
  • Moving from elsewhere in the UK to Scotland
  • Initial settlement and accommodation costs
  • Work transition expenses and onboarding requirements
  • Practical necessities to begin social care roles in Scotland
For many international carers who unexpectedly lost sponsorship, these costs have become barriers to continuing lawful work in the country. Scotland aims to eliminate these obstacles and stabilise its social care workforce.

Why This Matters for the UK Care Sector?

With visa approvals drastically reduced and recruitment challenges intensifying, Scotland’s approach may set a precedent for how regional governments can support essential workers affected by national immigration reforms. Overseas workers have long been the backbone of the UK’s care system. Scotland’s latest initiative recognises this contribution-and ensures the sector remains resilient in the face of changing immigration rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What new route has Scotland introduced for international social care workers?

Scotland has introduced a dedicated support pathway for overseas social care workers affected by recent UK visa rule changes. This initiative assists workers who were offered positions but were unable to take them due to dependants’ restrictions or loss of sponsorship. The scheme aims to help employers fill urgent vacancies and ensure service continuity across Scotland.

  1. Who is eligible for Scotland’s £500,000 support fund?

The fund is designed for displaced overseas social care workers who lost job opportunities due to UK visa restrictions. This includes workers who were partway through recruitment or those unable to proceed because dependants were no longer permitted. Employers who invested in international hiring efforts may also benefit from onboarding and training support.

  1. Why is Scotland offering support to displaced overseas care workers?

Thousands of international workers lost sponsorship following UK Government changes under the Health and Care Worker Visa. Scotland introduced this fund to fill critical staffing gaps, protect affected workers, and support vulnerable individuals who rely on stable care services.

  1. What concerns have social care providers raised about the new scheme?

Providers welcome the initiative but seek clarity regarding eligibility, fund distribution, and whether relocation costs will be fully covered. Long-term workforce planning remains a challenge if immigration rules continue to change unpredictably.

  1. How have Health & Care Worker Visa numbers changed since March 2024?

Following the introduction of dependant restrictions, visa grants for care roles have fallen by 88%, leading to severe recruitment challenges-particularly in regions like Scotland that rely heavily on overseas skilled workers.

  1. When will the first international workers begin roles in Scotland under this new route?

The first group of displaced workers is expected to start their new roles before Christmas, depending on visa processing, employer readiness, and relocation logistics.

  1. What remains unclear about the support fund’s operation?

Questions remain about the exact costs it will cover, timelines for distribution, and priority categories for workers. More detailed guidance is expected in the coming weeks.

  1. How important are overseas care workers to Scotland’s social care workforce?

Extremely important-some providers rely on up to 90% international staff. Overseas carers fill major shortages and ensure continuity of support for older adults, vulnerable individuals, and those with complex care needs.

  1. What long-term challenges does Scotland’s social care sector face?

The sector continues to struggle with retention, pay levels, workload pressures, and uncertainties around immigration rules. Broader reform is needed, but international recruitment remains essential to stabilising the workforce.

  1. How is Scotland responding overall to UK policy changes?

Scotland is taking a proactive approach by offering financial and practical assistance to both workers and employers. Leaders continue to call for migration policies that reflect the care sector’s real needs, while ensuring that international recruitment remains viable.

Looking for guidance on UK or overseas care work opportunities?

Contact Apical Immigration Experts for end-to-end support with your job search, visa process, and relocation.