The British government has announced a major overhaul of its immigration system, banning foreign workers from taking up more than 100 job roles in a bid to reduce net migration and prioritise domestic employment.
The Home Office said the changes aim to create a “fairer, skills-focused system” and provide more opportunities for British workers. In a statement posted on X on Saturday, officials said:
“Cutting net migration means getting the fundamentals right. More than 100 occupations are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment – opening up more jobs for British workers.”
The restrictions cover a wide range of sectors, though the government has not yet published the full list of affected roles. Officials stressed the reforms are part of a broader restructuring of the visa regime to ensure skilled migration supports the UK’s economic needs.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who took office in July 2024 following Labour’s election win, said the move reflects the government’s commitment to protecting domestic job opportunities while maintaining a controlled immigration system.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties and industry groups.
Experts warn that limiting access to foreign labour could worsen shortages in critical areas such as healthcare, social care, hospitality, and agriculture.
Unions representing NHS staff highlighted the potential impact on patient care, noting that overseas workers play a key role in maintaining services. “While supporting British employment is important, we are concerned these restrictions may leave vital positions unfilled,” a spokesperson said.
Business organisations also expressed concerns about the lack of clarity around which roles are affected.
The British Chambers of Commerce said the announcement could disrupt recruitment and operations, particularly in sectors that rely on seasonal or specialised overseas staff.
Economists have warned that reducing the availability of foreign workers may push up wages in some industries, potentially leading to higher costs for services and goods.
Analysts also cautioned that sectors heavily dependent on migrant labour could struggle to meet demand.
The Home Office said the reforms are intended to strike a balance between allowing skilled migration where needed and giving British citizens access to employment opportunities. Officials also pledged to monitor the impact of the restrictions and provide updates on affected roles in the coming months.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some have welcomed the policy as a step to protect domestic workers, while others have raised concerns over its potential economic consequences.
Industry leaders have called for clear guidance on the rules to avoid disruption, emphasising that businesses need time to adapt recruitment strategies.
The government said the reforms are part of a long-term plan to manage migration more effectively, support economic growth, and ensure that the UK labour market meets the needs of citizens.
Officials stressed that highly skilled workers will still be able to enter the UK under existing visa routes, while the restrictions focus on roles where domestic labour supply is considered sufficient.
The Home Office confirmed that the full list of restricted occupations will be published soon, and impact assessments are being conducted to ensure essential services are not disrupted.
