Latest UK Immigration Updates: What Filipinos Need to Know

On 23 July, Manong George hosted a Facebook Live session with immigration expert Ms. Crystal Dias to unpack the latest UK immigration policy changes, effective from 22 July 2025. These reforms, focusing on skilled workers, particularly in health and care sectors, aim to streamline the immigration process while addressing labour market needs. This article explains the key changes, their impact on the Filipino community, and practical steps to navigate them.

The Skilled Worker visa has undergone significant changes. The minimum skill level is now set at RQF Level 6, equivalent to degree-level qualifications, making around 112 medium-skilled jobs ineligible unless they appear on temporary shortage lists. The salary threshold has also risen to £41,700, with no discounts for shortage roles, though public sector positions require at least £25,000 or the relevant pay scale. Existing visa holders benefit from transitional rules, allowing them to extend their stay, switch employers, or settle if they meet salary requirements, but new applicants must fully comply with these stricter standards.

The health and care sector, where many Filipinos work, faces tightened restrictions. A major change is the ban on sponsoring new overseas care workers, requiring employers to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Current care workers can extend their visas until 2028 under transitional arrangements. Roles like dental nurses and ambulance staff (excluding paramedics) are no longer eligible, and nursing assistants are limited to settings with registered nurses.

New applicants face dependant restrictions, though exemptions apply for applications before 11 March 2024 or those with UK-born children. Qualified nurses and doctors, however, remain eligible with fast-tracked processing and fee exemptions, though entry-level roles may struggle to meet salary thresholds.

For the Filipino community, these changes pose challenges. The sponsorship ban for care workers significantly reduces job opportunities, pushing employers to hire locally. Qualified nurses meeting RQF Level 6 standards are largely unaffected, but nursing assistants face hurdles. Restrictions on dependants could also disrupt family reunification plans, affecting many kababayans.

To navigate these changes, Filipinos should take practical steps. Those already on visas should check their extension eligibility on GOV.UK. New applicants must ensure qualifications align with RQF Level 6 and secure a Certificate of Sponsorship, avoiding care worker roles. Consulting experts like Ms. Dias or the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration can provide tailored guidance. Pursuing training for higher-skilled roles is advisable, as is staying updated via GOV.UK, especially for pending applications.

The UK’s immigration reforms prioritise high-skilled labour, limiting opportunities for Filipino care workers while preserving pathways for nurses. By staying proactive and informed, the Filipino community can adapt. For further insights, revisit Manong George’s Facebook Live or reach out to trusted experts.