The United Kingdom government on Saturday announced sweeping restrictions on overseas recruitment as part of efforts to reduce net migration.
The Home Office, in a statement posted on X, said more than 100 occupations have been removed from the list of roles eligible for foreign workers. It explained that the move was designed to create more job opportunities for British citizens while reshaping the visa system.
“Cutting net migration means getting the fundamentals right. More than 100 occupations are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment – opening up more jobs for British workers. A fairer, skills-focused system is now taking shape,” the statement read.
The policy marks one of the latest measures by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who assumed office on July 5, 2024, after Labour’s landslide election victory that unseated Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government.
Critics, however, have cautioned that the decision could worsen labour shortages in key sectors, including health and social care.
The affected job categories cut across hospitality, logistics, healthcare support, public services, and the creative industries — potentially impacting thousands of foreign workers who previously relied on these roles for legal employment in the UK.
As of press time, the Home Office has yet to release the complete updated list of restricted occupations.
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