The Home Office has recently announced that record numbers of sponsor licences have been revoked, with adult social care among the most affected sectors.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, nearly 2,000 sponsor licences were revoked, more than double the number from the previous year. The message from the government is clear: abuse of immigration system will not be tolerated, and care providers are firmly under the spotlight.
Why the care sector is particularly at risk
For many providers facing workforce shortages, the Health and Care Worker visa has been a vital lifeline. But with this opportunity comes responsibility. The Home Office has cited concerns including:
- Worker exploitation
- Underpayment
- Non-compliance with sponsor duties
These aren’t just minor technical breaches. They touch the very heart of safeguarding vulnerable workers and maintaining public trust in the immigration system.
What happens if your sponsor licence is revoked
If your sponsor licence is revoked:
- You lose the ability to sponsor new or existing workers
- Sponsored workers may have their Certificates of Sponsorship cancelled, leaving them just 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the UK
- Your organisation may face significant reputational damage and operational disruption.
Are you truly compliant?
Many employers assume that once a sponsor licence is granted and visas are approved, they’re in the clear. But UKVI expectations are high and the sponsor obligations are ongoing. Sponsor duties are spread across multiple guidance documents and include:
- Accurate record-keeping
- Timely reporting of changes – including where there are corporate changes
- Monitoring sponsored workers’ attendance and absences
- Preventing illegal working
Even well-intentioned employers can fall foul of the rules if they don’t regularly review their processes and compliance systems.
How ESP Solicitors can help providers avoid sponsor licence risks
At ESP Solicitors, we support care providers across the UK with:
- Sponsor licence audits
- Training for HR and compliance teams
- Ongoing advisory support
- Crisis response if your licence is at risk
If you’re in the care sector and unsure whether your systems would withstand a UKVI audit, now is the time to act. Don’t wait for a knock on the door. Get in touch to find out how we can help you protect your licence and safeguard your workforce.
