Adult Social Care Displaced Worker Scheme
The Scottish Government has launched a £500,000 fund. The scheme will support the adult social care sector to increase workforce numbers deliver required hours of care through the employment of displaced care workers.
Summary of changes to care roles
On 22 July 2025, the Health and Care visa went through significant changes. This impacted many social care roles. Some overseas care workers found themselves unable to renew visas or continue in their posts.
Applicants from outside the UK can no longer apply to be a Care Worker or Senior Care Worker. A transition period is in place until 22 July 2028 (kept under review).
Support from Scottish Government
In response, the Scottish Government has announced a £500,000 fund to provide targeted support to adult social care providers with the costs of hiring displaced social care workers. The scheme will protect and sustain Scotland's social care workforce. The fund aims to remove the financial barriers faced by displaced international social care workers which prevent them finding new sponsored employment in the Scottish adult social care sector.
Why this matters for Scottish care providers
Many care providers will know the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff. The visa changes increased those challenges.
Employers in Scotland may be able to offer new opportunities to displaced workers looking to relocate within Scotland or to Scotland. For many organisations, this may be the difference between operating at reduced capacity and maintaining better staffing levels.
What the scheme offers
Adult social care employers will be able to apply for funding to help cover the costs of employing up to three displaced international social care workers within their organisation. Funding will mainly cover visa associated costs including the visa fee, assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship and Immigration Skills Charges. Where a worker needs to relocate, support may also be available to help with the associated costs.
How employers can access the funding
Read about the application for the Adult Social Care Displaced Worker Scheme (gov.scot)
The closing date for applications is 31 December 2025.
Advice from Scotland’s Migration Service
If you are an employer affected by the July 2025 changes and need visa or sponsorship advice on retaining or recruiting care staff, Scotland’s Migration Service can help. You can book a free appointment with an immigration lawyer.