UK Work Permit Shortage Occupation List is Expanding

The shortage occupation list is now expanding with a number of new skilled occupations listed under it causing changes to the Immigration Rules and Conditions.

A joint press by the UK Visas and Immigration ministry and the UK Immigration Minister, Seema Kennedy, stated the new rules under which British-based businesses will have better access to skilled workers globally. The announcement met with altered Immigration rules for all the occupations that fall under the category of Shortage Occupation List (SOL).

This announcement changes the rules and conditions for skilled workers like veterinaries, architects, and web designers. Now, these skilled occupations will fall under SOL, giving them priority of securing a Tier 2 Work Visa over others those do not fall under this list.

Immigration minister, Seema Kennedy, said: “Giving British based businesses the access to the brightest and best global talent is a key priority for this government.” The press release that was circulated later on also stated, “That is why we have made it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers, such as vets and web designers, that this country needs to flourish.”

These statements have made a lot of difference in the way how employers can now advertise job vacancies. They can now make the vacancies available to all the nationalities worldwide, giving them a better opportunity to hire skilled talent.

In addition to this, the Home Office also stated that Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, and Midwives who have already cleared their English language test can be accepted without asking them to sit for another exam for Tier 2 Visa. This will change the practices laid by Hospitals in recruiting staff and can quickly have access to the candidate they desire.

The recommendations of the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) stated back in May 2019 were also taken into account while amending some of the laws related to the immigrates. While considering the SOL list, the MAC has listed a number of favours to make it easy for the skilled workers.

In addition to the UK work permit Shortage Occupation List, the immigration rules are amended regarding the unaccompanied children under section 67 of the Immigration Act. Now, the children transferring under section 67 are given the privilege of ‘Section 67 Leave’ on arrival. According to this, these children will be allowed to study, work, and access to healthcare and public funds.

The Tier 2 Visa for Shortage of Occupation List (SOL) is expanded to a list of occupations by the MAC to the positions that are in shortage in the nation. The MAC had considered several factors while considering the expansion of SOL, including the fact that is it viable to hire migrant workers at the expense of the British Job Seekers. The UV Work Permit for Shortage Occupation List is currently expanded to the industry of health, information, and engineering.