Immigration: Skilled Worker Visas

 

Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 24, 2025 (23:59 GMT)

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, the Government introduced the skilled worker visa route in 2020, now the primary pathway for individuals applying to work in the UK. This system aims to attract essential skills and support economic growth. In 2022, the route was expanded to care workers, and in Spring 2024, new eligibility requirements were implemented to reduce net migration.

In 2023-24, approximately 230,500 people applied for skilled worker visas, generating around £438 million in visa fees for the Government. However, concerns persist regarding the impact of immigration policies on resident workers, compliance issues, and the effect of recent changes on different industries across the UK.

The National Audit Office (NAO) published a report in 2025 assessing the skilled worker visa system. The findings highlight that while the system continues to support employers in hiring overseas workers, the Spring 2024 policy changes were introduced without a comprehensive impact assessment on different sectors and regions.

Parliamentary Inquiry

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is conducting an inquiry into the skilled worker visa route and will hear from senior Home Office officials on the following key issues:

• The impact of the Spring 2024 policy changes on different industries.
• Progress in modernizing the system’s digital elements.
• How the Home Office ensures compliance within the system.

Call for Evidence

The Committee invites written evidence on these issues. If you have relevant insights, please submit your evidence by April 24, 2025.

📌 Submit Your Evidence Here

Important Notes:

• Submissions must comply with the House of Commons guidance on written evidence.
• The Committee cannot accept evidence already published elsewhere.
• This inquiry cannot assist with individual immigration cases. If you need personal assistance, please refer to Parliament’s guide on who to contact.