The United Kingdom has officially ended its special care worker visa agreement with Kenya. This move follows a major policy overhaul by Prime Minister Keir Starmer aimed at reducing reliance on foreign labour.

Kenya had signed a bilateral agreement with the UK in 2021 to export skilled health workers. Since then, hundreds of Kenyans have migrated to take up roles in UK care homes and health facilities. That window is now closed.

The UK government announced that the care visa pathway is being scrapped permanently. In addition, a raft of new rules will tighten access to work and residency.

Migrants will now need to meet higher English language standards. Even adult dependents are required to demonstrate basic proficiency. The UK is also raising the minimum skill level for work visas, phasing out diploma-level roles.

Settlement requirements have also changed. Migrants will need to live in the UK for 10 years to qualify for permanent residency, unless they make significant economic contributions.

The UK says these changes are designed to favour local workers. Employers hiring foreigners will now pay higher immigration skill charges, a move meant to discourage overdependence on overseas staff.

All foreign nationals will be issued digital IDs and eVisas, allowing stricter monitoring and enforcement. Authorities say this will help crack down on overstays and undocumented workers.