UK to Allow Non-UK Workers to Obtain UK Worker Visa: Details Revealed

The UK government has announced plans to allow non-UK workers to obtain UK worker visas, which marks a significant shift in the country's immigration policy. The move is aimed at addressing the chronic shortage of workers in key sectors of the economy, such as health care, construction, and hospitality. The new policy is expected to take effect from 1 January 2021, and the government has released the following details:

Eligibility Criteria

Any non-UK citizen who is at least 18 years old and has been offered a full-time job in the UK by an eligible employer will be eligible to apply for a worker visa. The job must meet the UK's skill level requirement, which is currently set at RQF level 3 or above. This means that the job must require at least A-level equivalent qualifications or equivalent work experience. In addition, the employer must prove that they have been unable to find a suitable UK or EU candidate for the position despite having advertised the job widely. The job must also pay a salary that meets the minimum threshold, which is currently set at ￡25,600 per year.

Application Process

The application process for a UK worker visa will be similar to that for other types of UK visas. The applicant will need to provide evidence of their job offer, qualifications, and English language proficiency. They will also need to pass a criminal record check and a tuberculosis test. The application fee for a worker visa will be ￡610, which is higher than the fee for a Tier 2 (General) visa, but lower than the fee for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

Length of Stay and Settlement

A worker visa will be granted for a maximum period of two years. After this period, the visa holder will need to apply for a renewal or switch to another visa category. There will be no limit on the number of times a worker visa can be renewed, as long as the job and the employer continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Visa holders will be able to bring their dependents to the UK and will be eligible to apply for settlement after five years if their job and employer continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Impact

The decision to allow non-UK workers to obtain UK worker visas is likely to have a significant impact on the UK labour market. It is expected to make it easier for employers in key sectors to recruit the workers they need, which could help to boost productivity and economic growth. However, some critics have raised concerns that the new policy could lead to lower wages and job losses for UK workers, particularly those in low-skilled or low-paid jobs.

The UK government has defended the decision, stating that it has strict safeguards in place to protect UK workers. These include the requirement for employers to prove that they have been unable to find a suitable UK or EU candidate for the position and the minimum salary threshold.

Overall, the new policy is a significant development in the UK's immigration policy and could have far-reaching consequences for the country's economy and labour market.