The UK’s healthcare sector is facing a significant crisis, with the number of overseas nurses plummeting by an astonishing 93% over three years. This alarming trend, revealed in a recent study by the Work Rights Centre, could have devastating consequences for hospitals and care homes already grappling with staffing shortages and increasing demand for services.
Unprecedented Drop in Overseas Nurses
According to the analysis of Home Office data, only 1,777 overseas nurses were allowed entry into the UK in 2025, a steep decline from 26,100 in 2022. This staggering reduction is part of a broader pattern affecting various care roles, with visas for workers in caring personal service occupations—including nursing auxiliaries, ambulance staff, and dental professionals—experiencing an even more dramatic fall. The figures show a drop from 107,847 visas issued in 2023 to just 3,178 in 2025, a staggering 97% decrease.
Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, chief executive of the Work Rights Centre, expressed grave concerns over the implications of this decline. “No hospital is likely to welcome a 93% drop in overseas nurses, especially with 25,000 nursing vacancies still unfilled,” she noted. The impact of this situation is not merely statistical; it translates into heightened pressure on existing staff, many of whom are forced to work longer hours without adequate support.
The Broader Impact on the Care Sector
The implications of the decline extend far beyond the nursing profession. The Royal College of Nursing has warned that the profession is facing “the worst of all worlds.” Chief Nursing Officer Lynn Woolsey stated that the current rate of domestic nurse recruitment is woefully inadequate to compensate for the loss of overseas staff. “Ministers need to wake up. If they continue to push overseas nursing staff out the door and make the UK an unattractive destination, their reforms will die,” she cautioned.
This crisis is compounded by a broader trend in the UK’s immigration policy, which has seen a tightening of visa conditions across various sectors. The issuance of skilled worker visas has now fallen for nine consecutive quarters, affecting not just healthcare but also fields like science, engineering, and education. In 2025, only 9,072 visas were granted to professionals in science and technology, down from a peak of 24,843 in 2022.
The Strain on Social Care
The social care sector is bearing the brunt of these changes, with Nadra Ahmed, executive chair of the National Care Association, emphasising the urgent need for international recruits. “The domestic workforce is simply not applying, and international recruits have been vital in keeping the sector afloat,” she said. As care workers leave for more attractive opportunities in countries like Germany and Ireland, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
Simon Bottery, a senior fellow for social care policy at The King’s Fund, acknowledged that reduced overseas recruitment is now a “fact of life” for the sector. He stressed that there must be a more significant focus on developing a homegrown workforce to sustain care services in the UK. Without this, the system risks collapse, leaving vulnerable populations without the support they need.
Government Response and Future Considerations
As experts call for urgent changes to the immigration system, the Home Office’s response remains critical. The ongoing tightening of visa regulations has created an environment where potential international recruits may feel unwelcome or undervalued. With many care homes closing and providers struggling to keep their doors open, the calls for a review of immigration policy grow louder.
The current trajectory poses serious questions about the future of healthcare and social care in the UK. Will the government take action before it is too late?
Why it Matters
The sharp decline in overseas nurses and care workers is not just a statistic; it represents a substantial threat to the very fabric of the UK’s healthcare system. As demand continues to rise, the loss of skilled professionals exacerbates existing challenges, potentially leading to a public health crisis. The need for a balanced approach to migration that prioritises the needs of both workers and the public is more urgent than ever. Without decisive action, many individuals who rely on these essential services may find themselves without the care they need.
