The news describes a surge in visa applications submitted by UK employers for skilled foreign workers. This rush is driven by upcoming changes to the UK’s immigration system, which will significantly increase the cost of hiring overseas employees.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Reason for the Rush:
- New Immigration Rules: The UK government is implementing changes to immigration rules aimed at reducing net migration by 300,000 per year. These changes include:
- Higher visa fees: The cost of obtaining a skilled worker visa is set to increase significantly from April 2024.
- Increased NHS surcharge: Overseas workers now have to pay a higher surcharge to access the National Health Service (NHS).
Impact on Employers:
- Anticipating Costs: Many employers are rushing to submit visa applications now to avoid paying the higher fees coming into effect in April.
- Renewing Visas Early: Some companies are even renewing visas for existing employees early to lock in the current, lower rates.
- Job Offers Withdrawn: Some immigration lawyers report clients withdrawing job offers due to the cost increase, potentially impacting the UK’s ability to attract skilled workers.
UK employers, Staff visas, Visa cost increase, Immigration regulations, Workforce planning