List of occupations for work visa in the UK

Obtaining work visas — new opportunities for migrants in the UK

The UK has unexpectedly expanded the list of professions that give the right to obtain a work visa for foreign specialists. This step by the government opens up new opportunities for migrants and can help solve the problem of labor shortages in a number of industries. The updated list of in-demand professions in the UK includes such unexpected specialties as flight attendants, homeopaths, translators in historical costumes for museums and cemetery administrators. But this is not a complete list. Fitness and healthy lifestyle instructors, including yoga and Pilates teachers, are also included in the register. In addition, from 2021 to 2024, the UK issued 334 work visas to animal care specialists, including groomers, dog walkers, stablemen and assistants in kennels.

Robert McNeil, a researcher at the Centre for Migration, Policy and Society at Oxford University, notes that the new occupations on the list do not require special education and may be available to a wider range of specialists. Expanding the list of occupations creates new opportunities for those who previously did not have access to the British labour market. However, this may increase competition among local specialists. Nevertheless, such a move could potentially solve some problems with the shortage of personnel in certain sectors of the economy.

Types of work visas in the UK

The UK offers various types of work visas for migrants wishing to find employment in the country. Among the most popular visas are:

1. Skilled Worker Visa — requires sponsorship by a British employer.
2. Global Talent Visa — designed for highly qualified specialists in various fields who have made a significant contribution to their field of activity.
3. Innovator Visa — aimed at supporting start-ups and innovative projects in the country.
4. Temporary Worker — Creative and Sporting Visa — for those working in the creative industries, sports or entertainment on a temporary basis.

The question of how the new changes to the list of in-demand occupations will fit into the overall strategy for the immigration regime remains open. However, expanding the list of occupations definitely increases the attractiveness of the UK for potential migrants from abroad.

Implications for the labour market

The inclusion of unusual occupations such as beauticians, DJs, Pilates instructors and cemetery managers in the list of in-demand occupations could have far-reaching consequences for the UK labour market. On the one hand, this will open up new opportunities for foreign specialists who previously had no chance of obtaining a work visa in the UK. An influx of skilled workers could help fill the shortage of workers in certain sectors of the economy. However, on the other hand, increased competition from foreign specialists could negatively affect the prospects of local workers in these areas. British beauticians, fitness instructors and DJs will have to compete with migrants for jobs.

Reaction of the public and experts

The British government's decision to include unusual professions in the list of in-demand professions has caused a mixed reaction in society and among experts. Some welcome this move as a way to attract new talent and solve the problem of labor shortages in a number of areas. Others fear that this could lead to an excessive influx of foreign labor and create an additional burden on the social security system. Migration experts note that despite the declared policy of limiting immigration, the government seems to recognize the need to attract foreign specialists to maintain economic growth and fill vacancies in certain areas.

Prospects and further changes

Expanding the list of professions for obtaining work visas in the UK can be considered a pilot project, the results of which will be carefully analyzed by the authorities. Depending on the consequences for the labor market and the economy, the list may be adjusted or supplemented with new professions. It is also worth remembering that obtaining a work visa is only the first step in the process of finding employment in the UK. Migrants will have to undergo additional checks, confirm their qualifications and find an employer willing to hire and sponsor them. In any case, the expansion of the list of in-demand professions opens up new opportunities for foreign specialists and may have a significant impact on the British labour market in the coming years.