Published on April 21st, 2023

If you're considering hiring a carer from outside the UK, it's important to be aware of the costs involved. While bringing a carer from abroad can be a great solution for care companies that sponsor work visas, there are a number of expenses that businesses should be prepared for.

In this blog post, we'll break down the costs of hiring a carer from outside the UK and provide some tips on how to manage them.

Why Should You Consider Hiring A Carer from Outside the UK?

Before we dive into the costs, let's briefly discuss why you should consider hiring a carer from outside the UK. Firstly, there's a shortage of care workers in the UK, and bringing a carer from overseas can help fill this gap. 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. By recruiting carers from abroad, you'll have access to a pool of talented and dedicated individuals who are passionate about their work. Finally, hiring a carer from outside the UK can bring diversity and new perspectives to your team, which can help improve the quality of care you provide.

Costs of Hiring A Carer from Outside the UK

When it comes to hiring a carer from outside the UK, there are several costs that businesses should be prepared for. Here are some of the main expenses you'll need to consider:

Skilled Worker Visa UK Cost

To bring a carer from outside the UK, you'll need to apply for a skilled worker visa on their behalf. The cost of this visa will depend on the length of the visa and the type of work the carer will be doing. As of 2023, the cost for a Tier 2 (General) visa, which is the visa most commonly used for skilled workers, ranges from £610 to £1,408, depending on the length of the visa. The cost for a Tier 2 (Health and Care) visa, which is specifically for healthcare professionals, is £232.

Application Fees

In addition to the visa cost, there are also application fees that you'll need to pay. This includes the sponsor license application fee, which is £536 for small businesses and charities, and £1,476 for medium to large businesses. You'll also need to pay a fee for each worker you sponsor, which is £199 for a Tier 2 (General) visa and £55 for a Tier 2 (Health and Care) visa.

Money to Support the Employee

When you bring a carer from outside the UK, you'll need to provide them with suitable accommodation and cover their living expenses. This can include the cost of rent, utilities, food, and travel. You'll also need to provide them with a suitable salary that meets the relevant minimum wage requirements. This can vary depending on the carer's experience and qualifications.

Language Requirements

If the carer you're hiring doesn't speak English as their first language, you may need to provide them with language training to help them communicate effectively with clients and colleagues. This can be an additional expense that businesses should factor into their budget.

How to Manage the Costs of Hiring A Carer from Outside the UK

While there are costs involved in hiring a carer from outside the UK, there are also ways to manage these expenses. Here are some tips to help you:

• Plan ahead and budget for the costs involved in hiring a carer from outside the UK.
• Consider offering a competitive salary and benefits package to attract skilled and experienced carers.
• Offer language and cultural training to help carers settle into their new role and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Consider offering flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or remote work, to help reduce costs.
• Use technology, such as video conferencing tools, to conduct interviews and meetings with overseas candidates, which can reduce travel expenses.

By being proactive and managing the costs involved in hiring a carer from outside the UK, businesses can successfully recruit skilled and experienced carers from overseas, and provide their clients with the care they need.

Conclusion

While there are costs involved in hiring a carer from outside the UK, the benefits can be significant. By recruiting from overseas, businesses can access a pool of skilled and dedicated carers who are passionate about their work. To manage the costs involved, businesses should plan ahead, budget for expenses, and consider partnering with a recruitment agency that specializes in international recruitment for care workers.

If you're interested in hiring a carer from outside the UK and want to learn more about 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 experienced consultants can guide you through the process and help you find the right carers for your business.