The United Kingdom (UK) has made major modifications to its visa system in response to the country's rising migration rate over the years. These changes will ultimately impact employers and potential foreign workers. 

Some of the changes made to its work visa are detailed in this article.

1. Increased Salary Thresholds

As of April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK rose from £26,200 to £38,700. The Skilled Worker visa refers to the main work visa for overseas nationals in the UK. It allows employers to sponsor non-UK nationals to work in the UK in eligible, skilled roles. 

2. Replacement of the Shortage Occupation List

The Shortage Occupation List is a list that shows roles/professions that are in short supply in the UK. The jobs that appear on this list are given some benefits within the UK Immigration Rules to make it easier for employers to hire employees through the Skilled Worker visa route. 

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has now been replaced with the Immigration Salary List (ISL) since April 2024. This comprises roles deemed appropriate for a discounted salary threshold. 

3. Adoption of Updated Occupational Codes

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is a coding framework used in the UK to classify occupations, enabling comparisons of occupations across different datasets. 

The UK Home Office has transitioned to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Skills Occupational Codes 2020 system, replacing the 2010 version. This update necessitates employers to reassess and possibly adjust the occupational codes used for sponsoring employees, ensuring alignment with the new classification system.

4. Restrictions on Dependants for Care Workers

5. Expansion of the ETA Scheme

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an advance travel permission required from foreign nationals who intend to visit or transit the United Kingdom without a visa.

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme expanded in November 2024 to include all non-visa nationals except Europeans, who will be included by April 2025. The scheme requires applicants to hold a valid national passport and meet specific criteria.

In summary, the UK’s recent alterations to its work visa system reflect a strategic shift towards attracting higher-skilled labour while managing migration numbers.