KEY POINTS
- The UK care visa route closure blocks Zimbabweans’ path to stable jobs.
- Families in Zimbabwe may lose vital remittances from overseas care workers.
- Experts warn the closure of the UK care visa route will fuel migration risks.
Zimbabweans who depend on the system for financial escape are horrified by the UK’s decision to permanently close its care worker visa route.
In a faltering national economy, the visa had given thousands of people a way out of poverty and toward long-term financial security.
Zimbabweans face economic blow as UK care visa route closes
The change in policy was announced on May 12 by the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of extensive immigration reforms.
The action, according to officials, is in line with plans to curb net migration and put an end to what they called a “open borders experiment.”
10 Downing Street announced on social media that Britain was regaining control over its immigration systems and discontinuing its open-border policies.
The Health and Care Worker visa, which was previously available to many Zimbabweans, will be permanently discontinued, officials confirmed.
“Too many people have been exploited,” the statement read. “We’re regaining authority and equity by moving away from reliance on foreign assistance.”
The African Diaspora Forum’s Nicholas Ngqabutho Mabhena described the ruling as a serious setback for Africans who hoped to travel to Britain.
Lawmaker Minenhle Gumede of Bulawayo North described the UK’s action as “extremely concerning” for the Zimbabwean diaspora and their dependents back home.
She said many families depend on care workers abroad, and tougher laws might hinder income, support, or even reuniting.
“Workers’ families may suffer financially if new restrictions force them to leave,” she warned. “Many are totally dependent on remittances.”
Experts warn the ban could push desperate migrants into smugglers’ hands.
According to critical studies expert Dr. Khanyile Mlotshwa, many families would experience both financial and emotional repercussions from the policy change.
Some obtained loans or sold real estate to cover the cost of their visas. “They could lose everything if they are rejected now,” he warned.
“People wanted to support family members with UK-based earnings or reunite with loved ones abroad,” he continued.
According to Bulawayo24, “there is a deep emotional toll, not just economic.” “Family plans and dreams are now in grave danger.”
Mlotshwa cautioned Zimbabweans from assuming alternate routes are simple or categorizing all migrants residing in the UK as having care visas.
He stated, “Some Zimbabweans are already citizens of the United Kingdom.” “Canada or Australia might offer hope, but success isn’t guaranteed.”
Thousands are being pushed to reevaluate relocation plans and future possibilities in the face of increased uncertainty and hardship.
