Campaigners have warned that a loss of overseas workers due to increased red tape could have a “severe and dramatic impact” on social care.

The Scottish Care survey was launched following the Home Office’s decision to request additional documentation to process Certificates of Sponsorship.

In a briefing paper on the survey’s findings, Scottish Care said: “Due to the current level of vacancies and lack of capacity being experienced within the social care sector, this additional potential loss of staff could have a severe and dramatic impact on overall social care delivery throughout Scotland.

“In addition, this potential pathway to recruit much needed staff members from overseas to help with the significant number of vacancies the sector has is becoming increasingly unstable and not financially viable for care providers to pursue.”

The survey found two-thirds of Scottish care members are currently recruiting staff from overseas.

However, over two-thirds (68%) said they would be reluctant to consider international recruitment in the future due to concerns over sustainability and financial viability.

Respondents from 14 local authorities said they employed over 15% of staff from overseas, with seven areas employing over 25%.

Some care providers reported employing 95-100% from overseas.

Scottish Care said: “These findings highlight a serious concern over the sustainability of social care delivery in Scotland. The potential loss of internationally recruited staff could intensify the existing vacancy challenges and impact overall service provision.

“Scottish Care urges policymakers to address the urgent issues facing social care recruitment. Immediate action is needed to protect social care service provision and support the sector’s workforce.”

A government spokesperson said: “Care workers make a vital contribution to society, but immigration is not the long-term answer to our social care needs.

“120,000 dependants accompanied 100,000 care workers in the year ending Sep 2023, and these numbers are unsustainable which is why we laid measures in Parliament to cut this figure.”