Statement of Changes: Impact on Care Workers and Ukraine Family Scheme

As we outlined in our blog on 6^th February 2024, the government had announced the dates on which the various changes to their five-point plan will be implemented. The government confirmed that from 11^th March 2024 care workers and senior care workers will no longer be permitted to bring dependent partners and children to the UK, and sponsors of those applying as a care worker or senior case worker must be registered with the Care Quality Commission.

The Statement of Changes of 19^th February 2024 implements the above changes, but confirms that the changes will not apply to dependent partners and children of individuals who already have leave under the Skilled Worker route as either a care worker or senior care worker, or who have applied for entry clearance or leave in the route on or before 11^th March 2024. The Statement of Changes also confirms that the changes will not apply if the main applicant applies to extend leave, change employer (so long as it remains under the care worker or senior care worker code) or apply for settlement.

In terms of registration with the Care Quality Commission, the Statement of Changes confirms that transitional provisions will also apply to those who were granted leave on or before 10^th March 2024.

The Statement of Changes also made unexpected changes to the Ukraine Schemes, which are to apply with immediate effect. Firstly, the Statement announced the closure of the Ukraine Family Scheme from 3pm on 19^th February 2024. This scheme permitted British citizens and those with a qualifying immigration status to sponsor a wide range of family members. The Statement also confirmed that from 3pm on 19^th February Ukraine Scheme visa-holders will no longer receive three years’ leave, with a grant of leave now resulting in leave for 18 months. This applies to individuals who applied before 19^th February but are awaiting a decision. There is an exception to this change in that unaccompanied minors who applied before 3pm on 19^th February will still be granted three years’ leave. It has also been confirmed, by way of the Statement, that the deadline to apply under the Ukraine Extension Scheme is 16^th May 2024. This means that those in the UK on other visas will not be permitted to switch into this route from this date onwards. Again, there is an exception to this in that a child born in the UK to a parent who has leave under the Ukraine Scheme will be granted leave. Finally, the Statement announced that from 3pm on 19^th February applications under the Ukraine Scheme will be subject to additional grounds for refusal, including previous immigration breaches, amongst other provisions.

If you would like any advice or assistance regarding the effect of these changes then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team.