THE GOVERNMENT is facing criticism over its post-Brexit immigration system which excludes social care workers from applying for a fast-track visa.

The 130-page document, published by the Home Office, outlines the point-based system that will come into force on January 1.

People who want to live and work in the UK will need 70 points to apply for a visa, with low-skilled workers denied visas if they cannot meet the criteria.

Points will be awarded for key requirements such as being able to speak English at a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a minimum salary threshold.

Key health professionals will be provided fast-track visas allowing them to work in the UK, however care workers will not be able to apply for one.

Low-paid NHS cleaners, porters and support staff have also been excluded from the fast-track system.

‘Embarrassing shambles’

The decision has been described as an “embarrassing shambles” by campaigners who said the Home Office of ignoring the vital role care and NHS staff have played throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Care England accused the government of treating care workers as second class citizens, as he called for proper investment into the sector.

Chief Executive Martin Green said: “The Government’s decision not to include social care workers in the NHS visa scheme is another example of the way in which the Government treats social care staff as second class citizens.

“There will be a continuing need for overseas staff, until the Government delivers a proper workforce strategy for social care and also the money required to give the staff the salaries and conditions they richly deserve.”

The GMB union accused the government of “piling on stress and anxiety” to workers

National Secretary Rehana Azam said: “At a time when care is facing its greatest ever crisis, and with care homes reliant on hundreds of thousands of workers from outside Europe and facing staffing shortfalls, ministers are cutting off their noses to spite their faces.

“The government is piling on stress and anxiety to the high-skilled, underpaid workers who do an outstanding job keeping our country going and without whom we could not simply do without.”

The Royal College of Nursing said the government’s plans had “fallen short of what is required”, adding the NHS and social care should not be viewed as separate services.

Chief Executive Donna Kinnair said: “Once again, we are disappointed to see the government’s plans for the UK’s future immigration system falling short of what is required to meet the workforce needs of the health and social care sectors, now and in the future.