Published on April 20th, 2023

If you're in the care industry and struggling to find suitable staff, recruiting carers from abroad could be the answer. International recruitment for care workers has become increasingly common, and it's not hard to see why.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of bringing a carer from overseas and give you a step-by-step guide on how to recruit carers from abroad.

Why Should You Consider Hiring A Carer from Abroad?

There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a carer from abroad. Firstly, there's a significant shortage of care workers in the UK, and the demand is only going to increase in the coming years. Bringing a carer from overseas can help fill this gap and ensure that your clients receive the care they need.

Secondly, care work is often undervalued and underpaid in the UK, which means that many people are put off pursuing a career in this field. However, in some countries, such as the Philippines, care work is highly respected, and there are many skilled and experienced care workers available for employment. By recruiting carers from abroad, you'll have access to a pool of talented and dedicated individuals who are passionate about their work.

Moreover, hiring a carer from abroad can bring diversity and new perspectives to your team. This can help improve the quality of care you provide and ensure that your clients feel comfortable and supported.

How to Recruit Carers from Abroad?

Recruiting carers from abroad can seem daunting, but it's a process that many care homes and agencies have successfully navigated. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Sponsor Requirements

To hire social care workers from abroad, you must have a sponsor license. This license allows you to sponsor foreign workers to work in the UK. To obtain a sponsor license, you must:

• Be a genuine business operating legally in the UK
• Have suitable HR systems in place
• Be able to offer skilled employment that meets the relevant skill level and salary requirements
• Be able to provide appropriate training and support to the worker

Step 2: Sponsor Application Process

To apply for a sponsor license, you'll need to complete an online application form and provide supporting documentation. This will include information about your business, such as your registered office address, and details about the skilled employment you're offering. You'll also need to pay a fee, which varies depending on the size of your business.

Once your application has been submitted, you'll receive a decision within eight weeks. If your application is successful, you'll receive a sponsor license rating, which will determine the number of skilled workers you can sponsor.

Step 3: Recruiting Carers from Abroad

Once you have a sponsor license, you can start recruiting carers from abroad. You'll need to advertise your vacancies overseas and ensure that you're compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. This will include:

• Checking that your carer has the right to work in the UK
• Ensuring that they meet the English language requirements
• Providing them with a suitable job offer
• Applying for a care visa sponsorship on their behalf

Step 4: Interview and Selection Process

Once you've received applications from potential carers, it's important to conduct a thorough interview and selection process to ensure that you hire the right candidates. Consider using video conferencing tools such as Skype or Zoom to conduct initial interviews with candidates. During the interview process, ask questions about their experience, qualifications, and suitability for the role. Be sure to ask about their motivations for coming to the UK and their expectations for the role.

After the initial interviews, you should narrow down your shortlist to a few candidates and conduct more in-depth interviews. This could include face-to-face interviews or further video conferencing interviews. Make sure to check references and verify any qualifications or certifications that the candidate may have.

Step 5: Support and Integration

After you've hired a carer from abroad, it's important to provide support and integration to help them settle into their new role and life in the UK. Consider providing an induction program that covers the basics of the role, the policies and procedures of your business, and any cultural differences that they may encounter in the UK. Make sure that they have access to appropriate training and development opportunities to help them progress in their role.

You may also want to provide support with housing and travel arrangements, as well as any language or cultural training that may be necessary. This will help your new carer feel supported and valued, which will in turn improve their job satisfaction and performance.

Step 6: Retention and Career Development

Finally, it's important to focus on retaining your carers from abroad and providing opportunities for career development. Consider offering performance-based incentives and rewards, such as bonuses or promotions, to encourage your carers to stay with your business. Provide regular feedback and support to help them develop their skills and progress in their career.

You could also consider offering opportunities for further education and training, such as apprenticeships or professional development courses. This will not only benefit your carers but also help to improve the quality of care that you provide to your clients.

How to Attract Care Workers from Abroad?

Now that you know how to recruit carers from abroad, the next step is to attract them to your business. Here are some ideas to help you:

• Advertise your vacancies on international job boards and social media platforms
• Attend international job fairs and recruitment events
• Build relationships with overseas recruitment agencies
• Offer competitive salaries and benefits packages
• Provide opportunities for career development and training
• Provide support with relocation and settling into the UK

Conclusion

Recruiting carers from abroad can be a great solution for businesses in the care industry that are struggling to find suitable staff. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can obtain a sponsor license and start recruiting skilled and dedicated carers from overseas. Attracting care workers from abroad requires effort and resources, but it can be a rewarding investment for your business and your clients.

If you're interested in recruiting carers from abroad and want to learn more about our care recruitment consultancy services, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Fill The Gap Services. You can reach us at 447769768865 or [email protected]. Our team of experien ced consultants can guide you through the process and help you find the right carers for your business.