1.Budget 2024: Why governments can’t reduce immigration
Both the Conservatives and Labour have promised to cut net migration levels. But this is something previous governments have failed to do
2.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measures-set-out-to-reduce-net-migration
3.UK employers urged to ensure smooth digital immigration status transition
UK employers may benefit from working with their employees with biometric residence permits (BRPs) to ensure a smooth transition to digital immigration status, otherwise known as eVisas, an expert has said.
The Home Office will discontinue BRPs and implement eVisas by 31 December 2024, with both employers and employees required to ready themselves ahead of the deadline.
(Name), corporate immigration expert at (company name), said: “While it is individuals who are responsible for switching their status to an eVisa, the primary responsibility for employers is to ensure right to work checks are kept up to date and repeated where a worker has a temporary visa.”
The Home Office has already issued eVisas to certain groups including some nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), some non-EEA nationals who have made recent applications from inside the UK to extend, update or switch their visas, as well as some non-EEA nationals who live in the UK and have been emailed directly by the Home Office to set up their eVisas.
Many BRP holders have yet to be contacted by the Home Office to set up their eVisas. However, as of 6 August 2024, all BRP holders can set up a UK Visas and Imigration (UKVI) account and switch their status to an eVisa, whether they have been contacted by the Home Office directly or not. This can be done via the Home Office website.
(Name) said: “There are actions employers can take to encourage a smooth transition. For instance, it is important for employers to encourage staff to check and record their visa expiry dates and take steps now to set up their eVisas, whether they have been contacted by the Home Office or not. Employers should also advise staff who already have digital status to keep their ID and contact details up to date with UK Visas and Immigration. For staff who intend to travel in early 2025, employers can helpfully suggest that they check their airline’s requirements and carry alternative evidence of their UK immigration status, such as Home Office decision emails or copies of right to work checks.”
Employers that have recorded 31 December 2024 as the expiry date of a worker’s permission must complete an online right to work check before this date. It may be that the worker’s permission actually expires later, in which case no immediate action would be required. The actual expiry date must be recorded in all cases in line with the Home Office’s right to work check guidance.
(Name) said that, as with any new process, there may be teething problems which affect some workers’ ability to transition to digital status. She said, for instance, that BRP holders who do not set up their eVisa by the end of 2024 may find it difficult to evidence their status for purposes such as opening a bank account or registering with a GP.
The shift to eVisas is part of the UK’s broader digital transformation agenda. The Home Office has indicated that this is just the beginning, with plans to further enhance the digital immigration system in the coming years.
4.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immigration-services-commissioner-reappointed
5. UK launches new immigration salary list for skilled workers
The United Kingdom has introduced a new Immigration Salary List (ISL), aimed at attracting skilled professionals from around the world.
This initiative replaces the previous Shortage Occupation List and is designed to create broader opportunities for individuals across various fields.
The ISL is seen as a key step in welcoming talent and addressing skill gaps within the UK workforce.
According to DAAD, the ISL features 23 specific professions that qualify for skilled worker visas in 2025.
This list includes roles in science, technology, arts, and skilled trades, signaling a commitment to diverse talent.
For example, biological scientists are required to earn at least £38,000, while commercial pilots must have a minimum salary of £53,900. Other notable professions include chemical scientists, graphic designers, and various skilled trades like bricklayers and carpenters.
Overview of professions on the ISL
The ISL outlines minimum salary thresholds and average UK salaries for
each profession. Here are some key entries::
- Biological Scientists (SOC Code: 2112): Minimum salary of £38,000; average salary ranges from £47,500 to over £70,000.
- Chemical Scientists in the Nuclear Industry (SOC Code: 2111): Minimum salary of £35,200; average salary from £50,000 to over £80,000, limited to Scotland.
- Archaeologists (SOC Code: 2115): Minimum salary of £36,400; average salary from £35,000 to £60,000.
- Graphic and Multimedia Designers (SOC Code: 2142): Minimum salary of £30,960; average salary ranges from £30,000 to £50,000.
- Laboratory Technicians (SOC Code: 3111): Minimum salary of £28,800; average salary from £25,000 to £40,000.
Additional roles include high-integrity pipe welders, commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, and various tradespeople, emphasizing a wide range of skills needed in the UK. For more details, click here
How to find and apply for ISL jobs
Reports highlight that finding a job that qualifies under the ISL is the first step. Job seekers can utilize online job boards, recruitment agencies, and professional networking platforms to identify suitable vacancies.
It’s crucial to ensure that the role meets the minimum salary threshold and other requirements for the profession. After securing a job offer, the employer will sponsor the visa application.
The primary visa route for ISL-listed jobs is the Skilled Worker visa. This visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for a specific period, with the option to extend their stay or apply for permanent residency.
Job Search Resources in the UK
To find ISL-listed jobs in 2025, several resources are available:
- Government Portals: GOV.UK Find a job and the National Careers Service.
- General Job Boards: Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.
- Specialist Job Boards: CWJobs (IT), New Scientist Jobs (science and engineering).
- Recruitment Agencies: Hays, Michael Page, Robert Walters, Randstad.
These platforms provide access to a range of job opportunities in different sectors.
6.Immigration in Numbers: Latest UK visa statistics
A total of 1.16 million UK visas were granted for work, study or family reasons in the year ending June 2024, according to statistics published by the Home Office last week.
The latest official migration statistics present detailed information on the number of people arriving in the UK under various visa categories, as well as those applying to extend their stay or settle in the UK, covering the period up to the end of June 2024.
These statistics are released quarterly and aim to inform the government, Parliament, the media and the wider public about the UK’s migration patterns, as well as providing insights to help shape future immigration policies.
This is the first quarterly release published under the new Labour government, and we therefore expect policymakers to consider these figures when making decisions on any immigration changes in the near future.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have both confirmed that the government is committed to bringing down net migration and will continue to support measures previously implemented by former PM Rishi Sunak such as higher salary thresholds for Skilled Workers and tighter rules on dependants for international students and care workers.
Overview of the numbers
In the year ending June 2024 there were 128.4 million passenger arrivals into the UK, 11% more than the preceding year. This number includes British nationals and people who do not require a visa to travel to the UK.
Of the non-British arrivals, most will be short-term arrivals such as visitors, with smaller numbers arriving for other reasons (such as work, study and family).
In this period, there were 3.4 million entry clearance visas granted, of which 62% were visitor visas. 1.16 million visas were granted for work, study or family reasons (including dependants), and 45,886 were granted ‘Other’ visas. ‘Other visas’ include settlement visas, temporary visas (excluding transit), EUSS family permits and some other family members coming to accompany others.
75,167 people were granted permission to come to the UK by safe and legal routes such as the Ukraine and BN(O) schemes, refugee resettlement and family reunion, whilst 38,784 people were detected arriving in the UK by irregular routes.
Work visas
In December 2023, the Home Office announced a set of policy changes, impacting who can apply for work visas, which came into effect at various points in 2024. It will be necessary to wait for future statistical releases to observe the longer-term impact of these changes on the number of people coming to the UK for work.
The latest release shows that 286,382 visas were granted to main applicants in all work categories in the year ending June 2024, 11% fewer than the previous year, but more than double (+109%) 2019 levels.
A notable fall was observed in the number of Health and Care Worker visas granted in the most recent quarter – down 81% between April and June 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. A total of 89,095 visas were granted to main applicants in this category during the year ending June 2024. This represents a 26% decrease compared to the previous year.
The number of grants to main applicants on other routes in the ‘Worker’ category (which includes Skilled Worker visas) has more than doubled since 2021, but in the latest year has fallen by 3% to 88,653.
The number of ‘Temporary Worker’ visas granted to main applicants in the year ending June 2024 was 77,419, with 34,332 grants for Seasonal Workers and 24,091 grants on the Youth Mobility Scheme.
There were 260,392 visas issued to work dependants in year ending June 2024, with ‘Health and Care Worker’ dependants alone accounting for 69% of the total.
Study visas
In the year ending June 2024, there were 432,225 sponsored study visas granted to main applicants, 13% fewer than in the year ending June 2023 but 61% higher than 2019. Two-thirds (65%) of student visas in the latest year were for masters level courses.
In the same period, there were 94,253 visas issued to student dependants, 39% fewer than the previous year but almost 6 times higher than in 2019.
The decrease in dependants of students followed a policy change for courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, whereby only researched-based postgraduate students are now allowed to bring dependants (partners and children) to the UK.
In the first 6 months following this change (January to June 2024) the number of sponsored study dependent visas granted fell by 81% compared to the same period in 2023, to 11,675. Over the same period, the number of main applicants granted a visa also decreased, by 23% to 82,367.
Policy changes are one of a number of factors that may have impacted visa application volumes and it will be necessary to wait for the peak in student applications for the next academic year (which usually comes in August/September) before we can see the full effect of policy changes and any other impacts.
Family visas
Family-related visas apply to persons wishing to live with family members who are British citizens or non-British settled migrants in the UK as part of their family. It also includes people wishing to join a relative with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
Family visa applications for the year ending June 2024 have reached their highest level in recent years, continuing an upward trend since the end of 2021. In this period, there were 98,906 family-related visa applications, reflecting a significant 40% increase compared to the previous year.
Statistics show that people arriving on family routes are also more likely to stay in the UK and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) than those arriving on work and study visas.
From 11 April 2024, the minimum income normally required to sponsor someone for a spouse/partner visa increased from £18,600 to £29,000. The impact of this change on the number of people coming to the UK on a Family visa will likely be observed in future statistical releases.
Visit visas
There were 2.1 million visitor visas in the latest year, 16% higher than the previous year.
During this reporting period, Indian nationals accounted for 25% of Visitor visas granted (530,587), with Chinese nationals accounting for 24% (507,883). The next largest visa nationalities were Turkish (7%), Nigerian (5%), Pakistani and South African nationals (both 4%).
Visitor visa grants have continued to increase post-pandemic but are still below their peak in 2019 (2.4 million). This difference is largely due to 134,699 fewer grants to Chinese nationals, but also 119,107 fewer grants to Saudi Arabians, who no longer required a visa to visit the UK from 1 June 2022.
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme opened to Qatari nationals on 25 October 2023. From 1 February 2024, the scheme was extended to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. To the end of June 2024, there had been 393,253 applications for ETAs and 388,021 grants since the ETA scheme started.
Settlement and citizenship
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), otherwise known as settlement, allows you to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you are eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship, after a certain amount of time.
In the year ending June 2024, there were 137,020 grants of settlement in the UK, 17% more than the year ending June 2023, (117,023). The number of people granted settlement each year will reflect the number of migrants coming to the UK in earlier years and policies regarding the length of time they are required to live in the UK before becoming eligible for settlement.
In the same period, there were almost a quarter of a million (246,488) grants of British citizenship, over a third (37%) more than the previous year (180,243). Whilst there has been a fluctuation in the number of citizenship grants since the year ending June 2015, the latest figures represent a continuing upward trend seen since the year ending June 2020.
7.UK immigration seeks tech support, development partner for border crossing systems
After years of delay, new systems with ‘diverse tech stacks’ need a hand in £195M deal.
The UK’s Home Office has launched a procurement for tech support and services to oversee border control and immigration via a contract estimated to be worth up to £195 million ($253 million).
A competition notice confirms the Home Office is looking for system management and development support partners for its Border Crossing system; its Borders Platforms unit; and Helios, which maintains and shares security watchlist data.
The existing applications run on diverse technological stacks and are expected to evolve over the next five years
Border Crossing is made up of Passenger Control Point (PCP) and allows Border Force officers to search passenger records using biometrics and documents. “In addition, checks take place on the passport chip to verify its validity. In the back-office BX Tools allows Border Force officers to investigate passengers more thoroughly, either before, during or after they have crossed the border,” the procurement document states.
Meanwhile, “Borders Platforms is responsible for building and maintaining the hybrid platform which enables tenant teams (currently Crossing the Border service) to effectively develop and run current and future services that keep the UK border operational,” it adds.
The tender is split into three lots. The first, valued at a maximum of £120 million ($155 million), is looking for a system management and development partner to “run, maintain and improve the Border crossing and Helios systems within an integrated product ecosystem.”
A spokesperson at the Home Office told The Register: “Helios has successfully gone live. We are now in the process of decommissioning our previous system, the Warnings Index.”
The second lot is seeking a system management and development partner to run, maintain and improve the Borders Platforms which sits within the Migration and Border Technology Portfolio. It is valued at a maximum of £50 million ($65 million).
Lastly, the Home Office is on the hunt for a tech support vendor to provide level two support for its central systems, ensuring 24 hours a day, 365 days a year operation. “The existing applications run on diverse technological stacks and have been delivered over a three-year programme and are expected to evolve over the next five years in line with government policy and operational need,” the notice states.
- Fujitsu wins £5m contract to support the UK’s troubled Border Crossing system
- Airport chaos as eGates down for the count across UK
- Key pillar in the UK’s border control upgrade programme ‘lacks a systems integrator’
- Delayed UK digital border system was only stable enough to be used by 4% of intended users, MPs say
The contracts are expected to last four years, with an option to extend for a year.
The introduction of new technology at UK borders has been beset with delays and increasing budgets.
In 2020, spending watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO) said the Home Office had added £336 million ($436 million) to the cost of running its border management IT systems as delays and uncertainty dogged the program.
The report came after the Home Office reset the program in July 2019, having failed to meet deadlines or achieve value for money in its 2014-2019 Digital Services at the Border programme, the NAO said. ®
8.Support available for new eVisas
Changes are being made by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in the way that immigration status is documented for visa holders. UKVI are moving to a new digital immigration system, which means they are replacing physical documents with an online record of individuals immigration status called eVisas
The new eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
eVisas are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting people in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details.
An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a Biometric residence permits or Biometric residence card, to protect against identity fraud.
The documents being replaced by UKVI are:
- Biometric residence permits (BRP)
- Biometric residence cards (BRC)
- Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
- Vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes
If you hold one of the above documents you will need to update to an eVisa by 31 December 2024. From 1 January 2025 you will need an eVisa to prove your immigration status. The documents above will no longer be accepted.
If you use a physical or legacy paper document to prove your immigration rights, go to www.gov.uk/evisa to find out what you need to do next.
Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
9.UK’s new eVisa scheme ‘could create digital Windrush scandal’
Open Rights Group say digital documentation system is prone to data errors, system crashes and other glitches.
Millions of migrants have been urged to register for a new eVisa scheme as campaigners warn the document could create a digital Windrush scandal.
The scheme, which will be introduced at the end of the year, is designed to replace physical biometric residence permits that show proof of the right to reside, rent, work and claim benefits with digital eVisas.
On Wednesday, Open Rights Group published a new report that raises concerns that people who have the right to be in the UK will be unable to prove it, owing to flaws in the eVisa’s design, rollout and implementation.
Wrongly denied Windrush payments causing ‘further harm and injustice’
The report’s authors call on the government to halt the scheme before it comes into effect on 1 January 2025. The Open Rights Group report comes as the Home Office is urging those who need an eVisa, to prove they have a right to be in the UK, to register as soon as possible.
Officials say that they are providing £4m support to a range of organisations, including the Home Office contractor Migrant Help, to assist vulnerable people who may struggle to obtain an eVisa without assistance. The new digital visa is part of the government’s plans to digitise the UK border and immigration system.
Many physical immigration documents such as a biometric residence permit (BRP), for those with indefinite leave to enter/remain, or biometric residence card (BRC) to prove their immigration rights, now need to be replaced.
There is particular concern about the 200,000 people in the UK who have legacy documents proving their right to be here, and who are expected to first apply for a BRP and then apply for a UK visas and immigration account. As with the Windrush scandal, these tend to be older people who may not know they need to apply for an eVisa until they try to access health or other public services.
Sara Alsherif, the programme manager for migrant digital justice at Open Rights Group, said:“The eVisa scheme is yet another failed government IT project that could have life-changing consequences for thousands of people in the UK.
“With the deadline for eVisa applications just months away, we urge the new home secretary to take urgent action in order to prevent a digital Windrush scandal next year.”
People have been urged by ministers to register for eVisas online. Those who now have physical immigration documents must register for an account that will allow them to generate a new online status each time it is required. As users do not have a physical or saved digital proof of status, Open Rights Group say they are susceptible to data errors, system crashes and the stability of Internet connections and predict hundreds of thousands of errors.
Dr Kuba Jablonowski, a lecturer in digital sociology at the University of Bristol, whose research into the operation of the new, digital-only proof of status appears in the latest edition of the Journal of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law, said: “The eVisa is set to replace documentation with computation. Status holders will no longer get a token they can hold on to, like a passport sticker or a biometric card. Instead, they will rely on algorithmic logics to generate online status from a myriad of records dispersed in multiple databases.
“Our research shows this design is prone to glitching. It is time for the home secretary to consider alternatives. All visa holders should be issued with a token – a document – that proves their status. This token could be digital. It is the only way to ensure they are not rendered undocumented through system failures.”
The minister for migration and citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: “Everyone with physical immigration documents is urged to take action now to switch to an eVisa, and I want to reassure those who need it that free advice and support is available.
“An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights. Switching won’t change, impact or remove a customer’s current rights or immigration status.”
10.Migration Observatory report highlights sharp decline in work visas in first half of 2024
Reduction in healthcare visas largely responsible for falling levels of work-related immigration in wake of Conservatives’ five-point plan
he Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford last week released an updated briefing on work visas and migrant workers in the UK, noting that recent policy changes have resulted in a sharp decline in work visas issued in the first half of 2024.
You can read the briefing online here.
As the briefing explains, the number of work visas granted to non-EU citizens grew significantly between 2021 and 2023 under the post-Brexit immigration system. In 2023, 312,600 work visas were granted to non-EU citizens, a sharp increase from 137,000 in 2019. The strongest growth occurred in the Skilled Worker visa category, which saw nearly 200,000 visas issued in 2023, more than triple the number granted in 2021.
Following the introduction of the Conservatives’ five-point plan announced in December 2023 to reduce record levels of net migration, the first half of 2024 saw a notable decline in Skilled Worker visas, mostly in the healthcare sector. Between January and June 2024, only 15,200 visas were granted to healthcare workers, down from 72,000 in the same period in 2023. However, visa grants for healthcare professionals remained well above pre-pandemic and pre-Brexit levels.
The Migration Observatory notes that by March 2024, 64% of Skilled Worker visas were granted to occupations newly eligible under the post-Brexit system, with 39% going to care workers, a category added to the Skilled Worker route in February 2022. Care workers, nurses, senior care workers, and doctors were the most common recipients of these visas. The health and care sector accounted for over 60% of all Skilled Worker visas in the year ending March 2024. The UK’s health sector has increasingly relied on migrant workers in recent years, with the trend accelerating after the pandemic.
The briefing also highlights the significant shift in the composition of work visa recipients since the end of free movement in 2020, with a major shift away from EU citizens to non-EU citizens. In 2023, EU citizens accounted for only 7% of work visas granted, down from an estimated 45% in 2019. Indian citizens were the largest recipients of work visas in 2023, accounting for 22% of the total. Many of these visas were issued to Indian nationals under the Skilled Worker route, particularly in the health sector.
The Migration Observatory also noted in a recent press release that the decline in visa numbers seen in 2024, as reflected in the latest Home Office immigration statistics, could assist the new Labour government in meeting its commitment to reduce net migration.
The press release stated: “Home Office data showed a 156,000 (27%) reduction in the total number of visas issued, from 583,000 in January to June 2023 to 427,000 in the same period of 2024. … In the first half of 2024, 237,000 work visas were granted, compared to 304,000 in calendar year 2023.”
However, the Migration Observatory noted that outside of health and care visas, the number of Skilled Worker visa applications remained constant between May-July 2023 and the same period in 2024, despite the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers rising from £26,200 to £38,700 in April 2024.
Dr. Ben Brindle, a researcher at the Migration Observatory, suggested that visa reductions in 2024, coupled with rising emigration, could contribute to a decline in net migration in the coming year. He cautioned that the extent of the decline would depend on factors such as the number of international students remaining in the UK and any potential rebound in health and care visa grants.
Dr. Brindle said: “Visa numbers dropped in the last few months of the Conservative government and emigration has also been rising. In theory, this should mean a decline in net migration over the coming year. But the precise scale of it is hard to predict: we don’t yet know how many of the recent student arrivals will remain in the UK long term, and any bounce-back in health and care visas would also slow the decline. Nonetheless, the strong indication is that Labour will be able to meet its commitment to reduce net migration from the unusually high levels the UK has recently seen, primarily due to trends that were already in train well before they were elected.”
11.eVisa transition: vulnerability support confirmed
UK Work Visa Jobs November 2024: Earn £19.23 Per Hour with Visa Sponsorship
The United Kingdom remains a top destination for individuals seeking stable work opportunities. With a growing economy, the demand for workers spans various industries such as healthcare, engineering, IT, administration, and scientific research. In November 2024, the UK offers a special initiative for visa sponsorship to unskilled workers, giving people worldwide a chance to build a career in a developed country, even without specialized qualifications.
In this article, we will explore the available job sectors, eligibility criteria, and the process for applying to these visa-sponsored roles, as well as the benefits of working in the UK.
Available Job Sectors:
The UK’s workforce is diverse, and several industries are actively seeking workers. Here’s a breakdown of key sectors offering work visa opportunities in November 2024:
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare is one of the UK’s most in-demand sectors. The country faces a constant need for healthcare professionals, ranging from general practitioners to specialized doctors and nurses. The aging population and ongoing efforts to improve the healthcare system drive demand in this sector. This makes healthcare an attractive industry for individuals with medical qualifications or experience in caregiving.
Example Roles: Nurses, Doctors, Care Assistants.
How to Apply: Healthcare Jobs in UK
Engineers
Engineering continues to be a pillar of the UK economy, with growing demand for skilled workers in civil, mechanical, chemical, and nuclear engineering. The development of new infrastructure and energy projects has led to a surge in job opportunities in this sector.
Example Roles: Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers.
How to Apply: Engineering Jobs in UK
IT Professionals
As companies embrace digitalization, IT professionals are increasingly needed. Job roles in this sector include software developers, network engineers, and IT consultants. The UK’s technology sector is thriving, making it a lucrative field for tech-savvy individuals.
Example Roles: Software Engineers, IT Analysts, Network Administrators.
How to Apply: IT Jobs in UK
Managers and Administration Experts
The UK business landscape is growing rapidly, and companies are looking for skilled professionals to fill managerial roles. These positions are essential to the operations of businesses across sectors, including finance, retail, and customer service.
Example Roles: Operations Managers, Recruitment Specialists, Customer Service Managers.
How to Apply: Management Jobs in UK
Scientific Research Experts
The UK is a global hub for scientific research and development, attracting specialists in biology, physics, and environmental science. Research in areas like biotechnology, climate change, and renewable energy is expanding, offering many job opportunities.
Example Roles: Research Scientists, Laboratory Technicians, Biologists.
How to Apply: Research Jobs in UK
General Eligibility Requirements:
The UK government has made visa sponsorship jobs accessible to a wide range of individuals. Here are the key eligibility requirements you need to meet for unskilled work opportunities:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. This ensures legal eligibility for employment under UK labor laws.
- No Formal Education Required: Unlike skilled jobs, unskilled roles do not require a degree or prior work experience. This opens doors for individuals who may not have had access to higher education or job training in their home countries.
- Basic English Skills: While advanced English proficiency is not mandatory, candidates are expected to have a basic understanding of English, equivalent to an IELTS score of 4. This is crucial for following safety instructions and communicating with colleagues.
- Willingness to Learn: Workers must be open to learning safety protocols, handling equipment correctly, and maintaining professionalism in the workplace. These qualities ensure safety and productivity at work.
Benefits of Working in the UK:
Securing a job in the UK offers a wealth of benefits, both professionally and personally. Here’s why working in the UK is a desirable option:
- Visa Sponsorship: One of the biggest advantages is that many UK employers provide visa sponsorship. This means that companies assist workers in obtaining the necessary permits to live and work in the UK legally. It’s a direct route for many seeking a new life abroad.
- Attractive Salaries: The average hourly wage for unskilled positions is £12.19, amounting to a yearly salary of approximately £32,500. This salary ensures financial stability for workers and their families while maintaining a decent standard of living.
- On-the-Job Training: Many employers offer on-the-job training, even for unskilled roles. This not only improves the worker’s skillset but also enhances future employability, paving the way for career growth.
- Worker Rights and Protections: UK labor laws ensure that all employees, regardless of their skill level, have access to basic rights and protections. These include fair treatment, healthcare access, paid leave, and pension schemes.
- Future Career Opportunities: Although these roles may be considered unskilled, they can serve as a foundation for further advancement. Over time, workers may be promoted or become eligible for permanent residency, depending on their visa status and job performance,
UK’s competitive work environment:
The UK boasts a vibrant and diverse job market. Whether in London, a financial hub, or other cities, opportunities abound across sectors. Some key advantages of working in the UK include:
- Global Networking: Working in the UK exposes you to a global community. The country is home to various multinational companies, allowing you to work alongside professionals from different cultural backgrounds. This global exposure enhances your resume and opens doors for future opportunities.
- Access to Public Services: Employees with work visas in the UK enjoy access to essential public services, including healthcare and education. The National Health Service (NHS) is renowned for its quality care, and families benefit from top-tier educational institutions.
- Cultural Diversity: The UK is known for its rich cultural diversity. Working here allows you to experience different traditions, historical landmarks, and an overall enriching personal and professional life.
Conclusion
The UK remains one of the most sought-after destinations for individuals seeking job opportunities abroad. With the introduction of visa sponsorship for unskilled workers in 2024, the UK offers a unique opportunity for people from all backgrounds to start a new chapter in their lives. Whether you are interested in healthcare, engineering, IT, or administration, the wide range of available jobs ensures that there is something for everyone.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to embark on this exciting journey, the UK job market awaits you.
