As reported by The Telegraph, chefs will be among 111 occupations that will no longer be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa under major immigration reforms announced by the Government that will prioritise jobs that are graduate-level or above.
Alongside chefs there are currently several hospitality roles eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa including various management positions in hotels, restaurants, and licensed premises, many of which are expected to fall below the Government’s new skills threshold.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years.
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK.”
A new time limited temporary shortage list will be introduced until the end of 2026 for below degree level occupations, which will be targeted at ‘critical roles’.
However, the Government added that each sector must have a workforce strategy in place to train UK workers or it will lose access to the immigration system.
Additionally, overseas workers who come to the UK via the temporary shortage list will no longer be able to bring dependants and will not be permitted salary and visa fee discounts, according to the Government.
The Migration Advisory Committee will determine which occupations are added to the temporary shortage list and will be tasked with recommending whether use of the list is extended beyond the end of 2026.
“We can build an immigration system that serves the needs of the British economy and people – one that values skills, tackles exploitation, and ensures those who come to the UK make a genuine contribution,” Cooper added.
Subject to parliamentary approval, the changes will come into effect from 22 July.