Foreign nationals at two Edinburgh care homes fear they may be deported with their families as their visas are due to be expire this year.

Management of the workers at Castlegreen and North Merchiston was passed on to the council following the withdrawal of Four Seasons Health Care in May.

Some of the workers fear they could be sent home with their visas due to expire at the end of 2023.

With a final decision on their visa extensions not expected until the end of October fears are rising that some could choose to leave to secure sponsorship elsewhere.

A spokesperson for the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are committed to ensuring that all staff who have come into the Partnership from Castlegreen and North Merchiston care homes are supported and treated fairly as they seek sponsorship for visa applications in line with the City of Edinburgh Council’s policy.

“Union representatives and staff have praised the Partnership team as being open, cooperative and accommodating in the transfer of employment from Four Seasons to the City of Edinburgh Council.”