UK Eyes Stricter Visa Rules for IT, Telecom, and Engineering Sectors

The United Kingdom (UK), under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, is considering significant changes to its visa policies and rules that could have far-reaching implications for overseas professionals, particularly those from India.

The proposed visa changes are expected to affect the information technology, telecommunications, and engineering sectors—industries that have been among the top users of skilled worker visas.

Upcoming Changes to Visa Rules

The UK government is considering several changes to its visa rules to reduce reliance on foreign workers in these sectors. These changes may include:

• Raising the minimum income threshold: This would require applicants to demonstrate a higher level of income to qualify for a work visa.
• Curbs based on different regions of Britain: The government may introduce stricter visa requirements for specific regions of the UK to address localized skill shortages.

These measures could significantly impact the influx of skilled professionals from countries like India, who have traditionally filled roles in these high-demand industries.

Review of Skilled Worker Visa Dependence

In a recent development, British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper sent a letter to Brian Bell, Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), urging a comprehensive review of the technology, telecommunications, and engineering sectors’ reliance on skilled worker visas.

“These sectors feature in the top 10 of those most reliant on international recruitment, and the government seeks to understand the underlying reasons,” Cooper wrote.

She highlighted that the high levels of international recruitment indicate persistent skill shortages in the UK labour market.

Also Read: Discover 28 Shortage Occupations for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Govt’s Concerns and Future Policies

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called for policy changes to encourage IT, telecom, and engineering sectors to prioritize domestic hiring. She emphasized the need to reduce reliance on foreign workers, suggesting that the current immigration system may not fully serve the national interest. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has nine months to provide recommendations.

UK Family Visa Income Rule Remains Unchanged

In a related development, the UK government recently decided against increasing the minimum income threshold for British nationals and permanent residents applying to bring family members to the UK. The current requirement stands at GBP 29,000 annually.

Home Secretary Cooper informed the House of Commons that there would be no further hikes until the MAC completes a thorough review of the potential impact on families.

“The family immigration rules, including the minimum income requirement, need to balance a respect for family life with ensuring that the economic wellbeing of the UK is maintained,” Cooper said.

Must Read: Impact of New UK Immigration Rules: Visa Applications Drop by 33%

Conclusion

These proposed changes to the UK visa rules reflect the government’s intent to address domestic labour shortages while ensuring that the immigration system aligns with the country’s broader economic goals. Aspiring professionals, particularly from India, should stay informed about these developments as they could influence their future career prospects in the UK.