An investigation has revealed abuse of the overseas sponsor licence system for care workers.

The probe by The Observer found at least 268 companies had been granted licences despite never being inspected by the CQC. Other companies were granted licences despite never having been registered with the regulator.

The revelations came after a report by former independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, David Neal, which found abuses of the sponsor licence system, including one example where the Home Office issued 275 visas to a care home that did not exist.

Almost 150,000 visas were issue to health and social care workers in 2023, almost double the number issued in 2022, according to Home Office figures.

The rise in the number of sponsor licences has been accompanied by a surge in the number of modern slavey cases.

A report by a national helpline for victims of modern slavery revealed an over 600% rise in cases in the care sector in 2022.

Home Secretary James Cleverly announced a clampdown on net migration in December, including a ban on overseas care worker dependants, which comes into force this month.

A government spokesperson said: “We strongly condemn offering Health and Care Worker visa holders employment under false pretences and will continue to revoke licences from those who abuse the system, as we do not tolerate illegal activity in the labour market.

“To address significant concerns about high levels of non-compliance, worker exploitation and abuse within the sector, providers in England will soon only be able to sponsor migrant workers if they are undertaking activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

“As with all our policies, we will keep them under close review and if needed, we will not hesitate to go further.”