Welcome to the UK Immigration Navigator! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the latest developments surrounding UK work visa changes, their unintended consequences, and the government’s plans to overhaul the immigration system. Focusing on the Skilled Worker visa route, we’ll unpack key findings from the National Audit Office (NAO), explore policy shifts, and answer pressing questions for migrants and employers.
Overview of the Skilled Worker Visa Route
Introduced in 2020, the Skilled Worker visa was designed to attract global talent to fill critical labor shortages in the UK. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, offering a streamlined process for employers to recruit overseas workers in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering. Key features included:
- Salary thresholds: Minimum £20,480 (role-dependent).
- Sponsorship requirement: Employers must hold a valid sponsor license.
- Dependants allowed: Workers could bring family members.
However, recent changes have sparked debate about the route’s effectiveness, fairness, and long-term sustainability.
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Key Findings from the National Audit Office (NAO)
A recent NAO report highlights critical gaps in the Home Office’s management of the Skilled Worker visa system. Let’s break down the findings:
1. Surge in Visa Issuance Beyond Forecasts
- Forecast vs. Reality: The Home Office projected that 360,000 Skilled Worker visas would be issued between 2020 and 2023. Instead, 931,000 were granted, a 259% overshoot.
- Sectoral Impact: Healthcare and social care accounted for 40% of visas in 2023, driven by post-pandemic staffing shortages.
