The UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched a Call for Evidence on the Skilled Worker Visa system, seeking input from workers, employers, experts, and the public.
Purpose of the Inquiry
The Skilled Worker Visa route, introduced in 2020 after Brexit, serves as the primary pathway for employment-based immigration to the UK. In 2022, the program was expanded to include care workers, and in Spring 2024, stricter regulations were implemented to manage net migration.
In 2023 alone, the UK received over 230,000 applications through this visa route, generating £438 million in visa fees. However, a recent government report has raised concerns about whether the impact of the 2024 policy changes was properly assessed and how these new rules are affecting different industries and regions across the country.
Topics Under Review
The Committee is gathering evidence on:
- The effects of the Spring 2024 policy changes on various sectors.
- The fairness and effectiveness of the Skilled Worker Visa system.
- Progress in digitizing the visa application process.
- The Home Office’s enforcement of immigration regulations.
Who Can Participate?
The inquiry welcomes contributions from:
- Skilled workers under the visa scheme.
- Employers and businesses hiring through the program.
- Immigration advisors and legal experts.
- Representatives from the healthcare and care sectors.
- Researchers and advocacy groups with relevant insights.
Important Considerations:
- Submissions should be original and not duplicates of existing online publications.
- The inquiry does not address individual visa cases, as it focuses on broader policy evaluation.
This initiative provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences and help shape the future of the Skilled Worker Visa system.
