London, UK – The UK government has announced sweeping new restrictions on overseas recruitment, banning foreign workers from filling more than 100 occupations as part of a new drive to cut net migration.
The Home Office announced the policy shift on Saturday, stating on social media that it was focused on creating more opportunities for British workers and reshaping the visa system.
“Cutting net migration means getting the fundamentals right,” the Home Office wrote. “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.”
This move marks one of the first major policy announcements by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which took office on July 5, 2024. The new administration has pledged to reduce immigration and reform the visa system following its landslide election victory.
However, critics have warned that the policy could worsen existing labour shortages, particularly in sectors such as health and social care. The affected job categories span hospitality, logistics, healthcare support, and creative industries, impacting thousands of foreign workers who had relied on these roles for legal employment in the UK.
The Home Office has yet to publish the full list of restricted occupations.
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