Severe Decline in Overseas Workers Strains UK Healthcare

The United Kingdom’s healthcare system is on the brink of a serious crisis due to a significant drop in the number of overseas workers. Experts warn of a looming disaster as the country faces a shortage of nurses and care workers, which could severely impact hospitals and care facilities.

Alarming Decrease in Overseas Healthcare Workers

Recent analysis of Home Office data reveals a dramatic decline in the number of foreign nurses and carers entering the UK. The issuance of visas for overseas nurses has plummeted by a staggering 93% over three years, with only 1,777 nurses granted entry in 2025 compared to 26,100 in 2022. The situation is equally dire for those in caring personal service occupations, where entry numbers fell from 107,847 workers in 2023 to a mere 3,178 in 2025, reflecting a 97% decrease.

Consequences of Migration Policy Shifts

This sharp decline is attributed to the UK’s recent stringent immigration policies. The Work Rights Centre, a charity focused on labor issues, emphasizes that the government’s focus on reducing migration could exacerbate existing skill shortages and economic challenges. The reduction in skilled worker visas has continued for nine consecutive quarters, reaching the lowest levels since 2021.

Expert Warnings and Industry Impact

“No hospital is likely to welcome a 93% drop in overseas nurses, at a time when 25,000 nursing vacancies remain unfilled,” stated Dr. Dora-Olivia Vicol, chief executive of the Work Rights Centre.

Lynn Woolsey, the Royal College of Nursing’s chief nursing officer, highlighted the grim outlook for the nursing profession, noting that domestic recruitment efforts are insufficient to offset the loss of international staff. She urged government officials to reconsider their approach to immigration and workforce development.

Broader Economic and Social Implications

The decline in overseas workers is not limited to healthcare. The number of visas issued to professionals in science, engineering, and technology sectors also saw a significant drop, from 24,843 in 2022 to 9,072 in 2025. Similarly, teaching and educational professionals experienced a 71% decrease in visas over two years. The shortage of skilled tradespeople, crucial for infrastructure projects like housebuilding, poses additional challenges.

Urgent Call for Policy Reevaluation

The current trajectory of UK immigration policy could have serious repercussions for the sustainability of public services and the broader economy. Dr. Vicol stressed the need for a balanced approach that considers the requirements of both workers and vital public services. The government is urged to assess the long-term impact of its policies on the nation’s healthcare and other critical sectors.

Originally reported by theguardian.com. Rewritten by 360DailyTrend editorial staff.