The Home Office figures around 61,000 people applied for the health and care worker visa last year, either as a main applicant or dependant, down 51% from 123,300 in 2024, and down 84% from 382,700 in 2023. 

The decline in applications most likely reflects changes by the Labour Government in summer 2025 to restrict the arrival of foreign nationals, including ending the overseas recruitment of care workers and raising the minimum salary for skilled workers from £38,700 to £41,700.