Zimbabwe is currently facing an economic and political crisis that has seen it experience inflation of 101.5% a year as of January 2023. The high levels of inflation have reduced the disposable income of ordinary people with salaries failing to keep up with the rise in the cost of living.
Unemployment is also high with many reports putting it around 47% at least. With very little hope of a turnaround in the economic fortunes, many have resorted to relocating out of the country for better opportunities.
The United Kingdom (UK) has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Zimbabweans looking to relocate. The UK government offers a specific visa category called the “Tier 2 (General) visa” for individuals who wish to work in the UK as care workers. The visa allows one an easier route to settle in the UK as care work is something one can train in less than 4 months in Zimbabwe.
The high demand for care visas by Zimbabweans has seen some unscrupulous agencies charging desperate job seekers as high as £5,000 to sponsor their visa applications. According to the UK Home Office, this is illegal, job seekers should not pay to be sponsored.
Looking for a care worker job in the UK from Zimbabwe that sponsors a visa is possible even though it can be challenging, but here are some steps you can take:
- Research care homes and agencies in the UK: Look for care homes and agencies that are currently recruiting care workers, and check whether they sponsor visas for foreign workers.
- Check the eligibility criteria for UK work visas: Before you start applying for jobs, make sure you understand the eligibility criteria for UK work visas, including the required qualifications and experience.
- Tailor your CV and cover letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and skills as a care worker, and explain why you are interested in working in the UK.
- Apply for jobs: Once you have identified care homes and agencies that sponsor visas, start applying for jobs. You can apply directly through the company’s website or through job search websites such as Indeed, Monster, or Totaljobs.
- Prepare for interviews: If you are selected for an interview, make sure you research the company and the job requirements beforehand and prepare to answer questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills as a care worker.
- Consider working with a recruitment agency: There are recruitment agencies that specialize in helping foreign workers find jobs in the UK. Consider working with one of these agencies to increase your chances of finding a job that sponsors a visa.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that obtaining a visa to work in the UK can be a complex and time-consuming process. Make sure you understand the requirements and timelines involved and be patient and persistent in your job search.
