The United Kingdom government has unveiled sweeping restrictions on overseas recruitment, blocking more than 100 occupations from being filled by foreign workers as part of its efforts to reduce net migration.
In a statement released on X on Saturday, the Home Office said the new policy is designed to prioritize British workers and reshape the visa system.
“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. A fairer, skills-focused system is now taking shape,” the statement read.
The move marks another major step by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who assumed office on July 5, 2024, after Labour’s landslide election victory, replacing Rishi Sunak.
However, critics have cautioned that the restrictions could worsen labour shortages in critical sectors, including health and social care. The Home Office has yet to publish the full list of affected occupations.
