The UK govt plans to relax worker visa rules, as they are facing an acute shortage of laborers and skilled workers. On the one hand, they are dealing with higher immigration numbers and are placing new and tougher restrictions to reduce the number of migrants. But on the other hand, the UK also faces a severe shortage of skilled workers. To address this issue, the UK govt. It is planning to loosen the regulations regarding UK work visas. This news is received as good news by international workers, especially by Pakistani skilled workers.
The UK is facing chronic labor shortages in different areas, causing the country’s economic slowdown. Shortage of skilled workers results from Brexit, post-Brexit policies, and reduced economic activity among British people. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is assigned to find the list of occupations facing labor shortages. After finding the areas with shortages, new guidelines will be announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt when forwarding the budget.
According to a government spokesperson, they are working closely with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to ensure that their points-based system delivers the economy’s best interests by prioritizing the skills and talent they need and encouraging long-term investment in the domestic workforce.
This measure comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at boosting the country’s economy and attracting skilled professionals from around the globe. The Govt will also enable employers to recruit more worldwide than offering higher salaries. The relaxation of the UK visa rules will make it easier for international workers to migrate and work in the UK, thus enabling them to contribute their expertise and talent to various sectors of the UK economy. The areas where UK visa rules are relaxed include plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, roofers, and plasterers. They aim to fill the construction industry gaps to boost the country’s economic growth. However, restrictions for the hospitality sector will not be relaxed.
UK work visa
The United Kingdom is ideal for working and enjoying leisure time with your family because of its thriving economy and multiple tourist destinations. But if you are a non-British person, you have to get a UK work visa to live and work in the country. There are different types of UK work visas, the suitability of which depends on your qualification and the job.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Work Visa
To get a UK work visa, you have to pass the point-based immigration system, which is used in the UK to attract and invite only the most skillful talent in the UK. This system is already used in countries like Canada. Under this system, any applicant is eligible to apply for desired UK work visa if they score a minimum number of points set for a particular type of visa. The points are secured based on your job type, educational qualifications, sponsorship offer, salary level, language skills, and the demand for your profession in the UK. The criteria and requirements may differ for different types of UK work visas.
UK work visa requirements
The requirements for a UK work visa depend on the type of tier and visa you require. Generally, tier 2 encompasses most worker visas except special talent visas, which fall under the Tier 1 category. One must fulfill some general requirements for a UK work visa regardless of its type. These requirements are:
- A valid passport
- Two color photographs
- Proof of financial means to afford your expenses
- Proof of accommodation
- Detailed travel history
- Tuberculosis test result
- Biometric information
- UK visa fee receipt
List of Documents Required for UK Work Visa
You need the following documents to submit along with the visa application.
- Sponsorship certificate from your employer.
- The name of the employer and their sponsor license number – this will be mentioned on your certificate of sponsorship.
- The details of your salary. It should meet the minimum salary requirements for your job type or profession. You might be declared ineligible if your paid salary falls below the eligibility criteria.
- English language proficiency.
- Medical certificate indicating good health
- Name of the sponsor/employer and their license number
- A police certificate indicates a clean criminal record but only for certain types of jobs.
- Job title and occupation code
- Proof of relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
- A criminal record certificate is required in specific jobs.
- A valid ATAS certificate
- Your unique Ecctis reference number (formerly unique UK NARIC reference number). Since your qualification is from outside the UK – you’ll need to apply through Ecctis.
If your documents are not in English; you need to provide a certified translation for those documents. Moreover, you may have to fulfill other requirements based on your situation and the type of visa.
Application Cost for UK Work VISA
The cost of applying for a UK work visa varies for long and short-term visas. The long-term visa costs around £232 to £1,418, while most short-term visas cost £259, except for the Graduate Visa, which costs £715. You must also pay £20 for the Biometric Residence Permit. The difference in costs of long-term visas depends upon which kind of work visa you are applying for and the duration of stay allowed.
The fees for applying for a UK work visa from Pakistan vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. Fees for different work visas are mentioned below:
- Skilled worker (certificate of sponsorship for 3 years or less): PKR 230671
- Skilled worker (certificate of sponsorship for over 3 years): PKR 455805
- Overseas domestic worker: PKR 195978
- Temporary work visas: PKR 95590
Types of UK work visa
There are different types of UK work visas to accommodate and invite various skilled professionals in the country to boost their economy. These visas are also used to fill the gaps in different occupations and to increase manpower in the country. The UK Work Visa has been divided into the following subcategories:
Tier 1 Visa – High-value migrants
This category is for highly skilled workers and exceptionally talented applicants who wish to come and live in the UK without any job offer or sponsor. The people who are considered as highly valued migrants include investors, innovators, highly skilled individuals, entrepreneurs and post-graduates in the UK. Few categories that fall under this visa are
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator Visa
- Entrepreneur Visa
- Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP)
Tier 2 Work Permit for Skilled Workers
The skilled worker visa lets you work for an authorized employer in the UK. It is the most famous UK work visa for Pakistanis. It includes engineers, doctors, social workers, management consultants, accountants, etc., sponsored by their employer. Categories like Skilled Worker Visa, Minister of religion, Sportsperson, and Intra-company transfer fall under this category. This visa lasts 5 years, but you can apply for an extension in the visa. To get a skilled worker visa, you must meet the following requirements.
- You must know English
- You have to work for an employer in the UK approved by the Home Office
- Certificate of sponsorship from your employer and information about the role you have been offered in the UK
- Have a job listed under eligible occupations
- Paid a minimum salary
Temporary work visa
This UK work visa category allows temporary workers to come to the UK to undertake short-term and temporary work. It allows them to work in the UK for a short period, usually up to 12 months. These types of worker visas fall under the temporary work visa:
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Government Authorized Exchange visa
- Creative Worker visa
- Religious Worker visa
- Charity Worker visa
- International Agreement visa
Other Categories
Applicants can also work in the UK as:
- Domestic workers
- Sole representative of an overseas firm (only extension)
- Representative of the news agency
- Representative of an overseas newspaper
- Representative of a broadcasting organization
Other options for the applicants to come to the UK are a BNO visa, an Ancestry visa or High Potential Individual visa or on Youth Mobility Scheme visa routes. These categories are non-point based.
Conclusion
The UK work visa is a necessary document for individuals who wish to enter the UK for employment purposes. It is essential to obtain the appropriate work visa before relocating to the UK for work. There are several types of UK work visas available, including Tier 1 visas for entrepreneurs and investors, Tier 2 visas for skilled workers sponsored by a UK employer, and Tier 5 visas for temporary workers. Each visa type has its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria that must be met by applicants.
In addition to meeting specific requirements, applicants must also provide documentation such as a valid passport and proof of financial stability. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is recommended that applicants seek professional guidance or assistance when applying for a UK work visa.