The move comes after Westminster’s immigration restrictions led to an 88 per cent fall in the number of Health and Care Worker visas issued to migrant workers in caring occupations in the year ending June 2025.
The UK Home Office further tightened rules in July when it closed the Social Care Visa Route entirely, a decision that has sparked widespread concern among care providers across the country.
According to a survey by Scottish Care, more than one in four social care workers in Scotland are international recruits. Sector leaders warn that the latest changes from London could worsen already severe workforce shortages, leaving care homes struggling to maintain services.
In response, the Scottish Government is investing £500,000 in a support package designed to help displaced international social care workers who have lost sponsored employment elsewhere in the UK through no fault of their own. The funding will cover relocation and employment costs to help them move to Scotland and continue working in the sector.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said the UK Government’s “hostile and restrictive” migration policies were harming Scotland’s health and social care system.
“We need a migration system that works for our NHS, our social care sector, our businesses and our communities,” he said. “Until we have full control over migration, we will use every devolved power available to mitigate the damage caused by Westminster’s approach.”
“This £500,000 support fund will help displaced international care workers settle in Scotland and contribute their valuable skills to our social care sector. Our aim is for this programme to begin immediately so that workers can start new roles before Christmas.”
The Scottish Government has also renewed its call for the Home Office to reverse its decision to close the care visa route, warning that the policy threatens the long-term sustainability of social care provision across the UK.
