Immigration: Skilled worker visas

In 2020, following the UK’s exit from the EU, the Government introduced the skilled worker visa route, now the main route for people to apply to work in the UK. The Government aims to use the system to attract the skills the country needs and to support economic growth. The route was opened to care … Show more

In 2020, following the UK’s exit from the EU, the Government introduced the skilled worker visa route, now the main route for people to apply to work in the UK. The Government aims to use the system to attract the skills the country needs and to support economic growth. The route was opened to care workers in 2022 following the pandemic, and eligibility requirements were implemented in Spring 2024 as part of attempts to reduce net migration. In 2023-24, 230,500 people applied to enter the UK as skilled workers, raising around £438m for the Government through visa fees. The PAC’s 2011 report on the points-based system designed to manage migration of workers from outside the European Economic Area warned that not enough was being done to protect resident workers and ensure that migrant workers and sponsoring employers complied with immigration rules. The National Audit Office reported on the skilled worker visa route in 2025 . Its report found that the route continues to support employers in recruiting overseas workers, though changes to the route in spring 2024 tightening entry requirements have been made without their impacts on different industries and parts of the country being fully assessed. Based on the NAO’s report, the PAC will hear from senior Home Office officials on subjects including the impact of the spring 2024 changes to the route, progress in bringing the digital elements of the system up-to-date, and how the Home Office ensures compliance within the system. If you have evidence on these issues please submit it here by 23:59 on Thursday 24 April 2025. Please look at the requirements for written evidence submissions and note that the Committee cannot accept material as evidence that is published elsewhere. Please note that the Committee’s inquiry cannot assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem you are having, you may wish to read the information on Parliament’s website about who you can contact with different issues . Show less