Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration’s report entitled An inspection of the immigration system as it relates to the social care sector, if her Department will undertake a review of the (a) sponsor licensing application and (b) decision-making process in collaboration with social care industry leads and sector experts.

Prior to the report from the ICIBI, work was underway between UKVI and the social care sector to improve and develop their processes. This focussed on both the development of the sponsor licencing application process, and improvement of decision-making processes in relation to adult social care cases.

Regular engagement sessions between the Home Office and the sector also allow clear examples of good practice to be shared. This is happening alongside the trial of a support process whereby providers are able to seek a letter of support from the local Director of Adult Social Services confirming any requests are proportionate to the business model. We will continue to examine new ways to tackle exploitation in the immigration system, including in social care.