LONDON, England — The United Kingdom has removed more than 100 occupations from its skilled worker visa list, in what officials describe as a sweeping reform aimed at prioritising domestic employment and reducing reliance on international recruitment.
The changes, announced by the Home Office on Saturday, August 30, 2025, follow the release of an 82-page immigration white paper in May under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration.
That document outlined plans to close social care visa routes and overhaul recruitment policies.
“A fairer, skills-focused system is now taking shape,” the Home Office said in its statement.
“More than 100 occupations are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment — opening up more jobs for British workers.”
Among the roles struck off the list are delivery operatives, beauticians, hairdressers, air traffic control assistants, army officers, and construction operatives — categories that have in recent years drawn significant numbers of foreign applicants.
The decision is expected to tighten entry opportunities for thousands of prospective migrants, particularly from countries that have historically supplied labour in the affected sectors.
Officials argue that the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the domestic workforce, while critics say it risks leaving gaps in industries that have struggled to attract local recruits.
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