The United Kingdom recently announced a new policy that bars emigrating health and care workers from bringing their dependents along with them. This decision was made in an effort to cut migration and address visa abuse within the care worker sector. The UK Home Office stated that in 2023, a staggering 120,000 dependents accompanied 100,000 workers to the country, prompting the need for stricter regulations.
As part of the new law, care providers in England sponsoring migrants will now be required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to prevent worker exploitation and abuse. This move is part of a broader set of measures aimed at reducing migration numbers, with an estimated 300,000 individuals who were eligible to come to the UK last year now unable to do so.
The announcement of this policy has sparked a range of reactions among Nigerians, particularly those who have relocated to the UK. Many have expressed concerns about the impact on families and relationships, with some describing the policy as unfair and detrimental to individuals who have made sacrifices to move to the UK.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria revealed that a significant number of doctors have left the country in search of better opportunities abroad. With only 55,000 licensed doctors serving a population of over 200 million, the healthcare system in Nigeria is facing a severe shortage of medical professionals.
UK Home Secretary, James Cleverly, defended the new policy by highlighting the need to address abuse and manipulation of the immigration system. He emphasized the importance of reducing unsustainable migration numbers and ensuring a more ethical approach to international recruitment and immigration.
Overall, the UK’s decision to restrict dependents from accompanying health and care workers reflects a broader effort to reform the immigration system and prioritize the domestic workforce. While the policy may have far-reaching implications, it is seen as a necessary step towards creating a more sustainable and ethical approach to migration.
