MINISTERS have been urged to reverse a “cruel” ban on overseas care workers bringing dependants to Britain after Home Office data revealed a steep drop in the number of health and care visas being issued.

Visas granted to main applicants in the 12 months to June fell by 26 per cent on the previous year, to 89,095, the figure show.

A sharp drop of 81 per cent for the year-on-year period of April to June alone coincided with the Conservative government’s ban coming into force.

Work Rights Centre chief executive Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol said the ban “has come at the cost of isolating skilled workers from their families,” adding: “We urge the new Labour government to reverse this cruel policy decision.”

The migrants’ charity also called for more protections for foreign workers amid a welcome “crackdown on unscrupulous employers.”

Dr Vicol added it was “grossly unfair” to tie a person’s immigration status to their employer, leaving them at risk of losing their visa if an employer has taken action against them.

Care England chief executive Professor Martin Green said: “The government is running out of time to listen.

“While the decision to restrict applicants was made by the previous government, it is incumbent on those now in power to take ownership of their inherited situation.”

Independent Care Group chairman Mike Padgham, whose organisation represents adult social care providers in York and North Yorkshire, added: “A fall in the number of overseas staff is the last thing social care needs at the moment, as we are struggling to fill shifts as it is.”

The Home Office said the drop in care worker visa applications and grants towards the end of last year “is likely due” to the department applying greater scrutiny to employers in the sector.