UK introduces new work visa rules in 2019

The UK has recently revealed its new work visa rules for 2019, in a bid to attract more skilled workers from around the world. The plans have been in the pipeline for some time, and have finally been announced by the UK government.

One of the main changes to the work visa rules is the removal of the annual cap on the number of Tier 2 (General) visas that can be issued. This means that more skilled workers from outside the European Union (EU) will now be able to come and work in the UK than before.

In addition, the minimum salary requirement for Tier 2 (General) visa holders has also been reduced. Previously, workers would need to earn at least ￡30,000 per year to be eligible for this visa. However, this has now been reduced to ￡26,500 per year, making it more accessible to a wider range of professionals.

The UK government has also extended the length of time that PhD students can stay in the UK after completing their studies. They will now be able to stay in the UK for up to a year after their studies have ended to find work or start their own business.

Another change is the introduction of a new visa for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This visa will allow workers with recognised qualifications in these areas to come and work in the UK for up to three years without the need for a job offer beforehand.

Overall, these new work visa rules demonstrate the UK’s commitment to attracting more skilled workers from around the world. By removing barriers and making the visa process more accessible, the UK hopes to attract the best talent from across the globe.

However, some have criticised the new rules for not doing enough to address the issue of low-skilled workers. Many industries in the UK, such as healthcare and hospitality, rely heavily on low-skilled workers from the EU. With Brexit looming, there are concerns about how these industries will be able to fill the gaps left by EU workers.

Despite these criticisms, the UK’s new work visa rules are a step towards a more open and accessible visa system. It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the UK economy in the long term, but for now, they offer hope to skilled workers looking to make the UK their home.