UK Skilled Worker Visas; From DJs to Dog Walkers
DJs, dog walkers, and homeopaths are among the roles listed as eligible for UK skilled worker visas, according to an analysis by an Oxford academic. Over three years to March 2024, 334 visas were granted for “animal care service occupations,” including dog groomers and stable hands, while 167 fitness and wellbeing instructors, such as pilates and yoga teachers, also received visas. The list, which includes roles like “costume interpreters” and “air travel assistants,” has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether these “middle-skilled” jobs are critical enough to justify overseas recruitment.
The inclusion of these roles stems from changes introduced after Brexit, which lowered the skills threshold for visa eligibility. Previously, only graduate-level jobs qualified for work visas for non-EU citizens. Robert McNeil, a researcher at the University of Oxford’s Centre on Migration, Policy and Society, noted that while these roles may require specific skills, they are not typically seen as essential for overseas recruitment. The government has pledged to tighten visa rules, with a white paper expected this spring aimed at reducing legal immigration and linking migration to skills shortages.
Foreign workers must still meet sponsorship and salary requirements, with most needing to earn at least £38,700 annually, though this threshold drops for younger applicants or those in higher education. The Home Office emphasised that the list is just the first step in a stringent process, with employers required to sponsor applicants. A government spokesperson stated that the upcoming white paper will aim to “restore order to the broken immigration system” and boost the domestic workforce.
DJ, dog walker and homeopath among roles on UK skilled worker visa list
Many ‘middle-skilled’ jobs on eligible list may not be what people would consider critical roles, says Oxford academic
www.theguardian.com
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