UK closure of care work visa to hit Zimbabweans hard

The United Kingdom's decision to permanently shut down its care worker visa route has sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe, where the scheme had offered thousands a much-needed escape from economic hardship and a pathway to financial stability.

Announced on May 12 by the UK government as part of a sweeping immigration overhaul, the move forms a central plank of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's efforts to reduce net migration and clamp down on what his office labelled as an "open borders experiment."

In a social media statement from 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's office said, "We're ending Britain's open borders experiment. For too long, businesses were actively encouraged to bring in lower paid workers, rather than invest in our own people. We're fixing the system and restoring control to our borders."

The new measures will significantly raise the threshold for entry into the UK's job market. These include stricter English language requirements, higher qualification demands, and a shift to a "contribution-based" model for settlement and citizenship. Most notably, the Health and Care Worker visa—long regarded as the most accessible migration route for many Zimbabweans—is being closed permanently.

The UK government acknowledged the contributions made by overseas care workers but cited widespread exploitation in the sector and the need to prioritise domestic employment opportunities.

"Care workers from overseas have made a huge contribution, but too many have been subject to abuse and exploitation," the statement read. "We're moving away from our dependence on overseas workers to restore control and fairness to the system."

The impact is expected to be particularly severe in Zimbabwe, where the Health and Care Worker visa had offered an accessible legal migration option, especially for women and youth with limited academic qualifications.

"This is going to have a great impact on many Africans who want to relocate to Britain," said Nicholas Ngqabutho Mabhena, African Diaspora Forum Secretary and Chairperson of the Zimbabwean Community in South Africa.

"We hope those already working in the UK are not going to be affected, but for those still making plans, this move will shut the door. It means they will have to try other, potentially more difficult, options."

Mabhena warned that the new restrictions could push desperate job-seekers into the hands of smugglers and unscrupulous agents, heightening the risk of undocumented migration and exploitation. He placed blame squarely on Zimbabwe's protracted economic collapse.

"Zimbabwe has failed to rebuild its economy. That's why we hold a strong view that not only President Emmerson Mnangagwa but the entire Zanu PF leadership must go. They've failed young people."

As a senior official in the Zimbabwe Communist Party, Mabhena also called for political renewal, saying the ruling party had "betrayed the ideals of liberation."

Bulawayo North legislator Minenhle Gumede described the decision as "very worrying" for both the Zimbabwean diaspora and families back home.

"Many Zimbabweans have moved to the UK under the Health and Care Worker Visa. Tighter rules could block new arrivals or force current workers to leave if they fail to meet new salary or sponsorship requirements," Gumede said.

She added that Zimbabwe's economy is heavily reliant on remittances, especially from care workers abroad.

"If fewer Zimbabweans can work in the UK, families back home may struggle. These remittances pay school fees, cover medical bills, and fund small businesses," she said.

Dr Khanyile Mlotshwa, a critical studies scholar, cautioned that the consequences would go beyond economics.

"Some applicants sold property or took loans to process visa applications. If the route is now closed, they stand to lose everything," he explained. "There will be immense emotional strain on families who were counting on reunification or financial support from relatives abroad."

While alternatives like Canada or Australia may still offer options, Dr Mlotshwa warned against blanket assumptions.

"Not all Zimbabweans in the UK are on care visas, and some are already citizens. We should be careful not to generalise their situations," he noted.

As the dust settles on the UK's new immigration framework, thousands of Zimbabwean dreams are now in limbo, with many forced to reconsider their futures amid deepening economic uncertainty at home.