LONDON: The United Kingdom (UK) has announced major changes aimed at providing greater flexibility and protection to skilled workers currently in the Britain on work permits.
Under the new rules, skilled workers will no longer be limited to working exclusively for their sponsoring employer. They will be allowed to take up employment elsewhere during the remaining validity of their existing visa, subject to the relevant immigration requirements.
The new UK measures are also expected to strengthen protections for skilled workers.
Employees will be able to raise complaints against sponsors over issues including excessive working hours, the unlawful retention of passports, and payment of wages below the required level.
The changes will give skilled workers greater flexibility in choosing where and for whom they work in UK, while providing additional safeguards against potential exploitation by sponsors.
The new rules relating to skilled workers are scheduled to come into force on 8 October 2026.
Skilled worker visa application process
Once you have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship you can apply for your Skilled Worker Visa.
You will need to complete an online form and confirm your identity. For some nationalities and for those applying in the UK you will create a UKVI account or use an existing UKVI account and confirm your identity using an online app.
Some countries will still require you to attend an appointment to have your biometrics taken after submission of the online application and this can also be necessary within the UK if you are unable to submit biometrics using the app.
Once you have submitted the online application form you will be able to book a biometrics appointment if required and also upload supporting documents.
Once your visa has been approved you will be given an eVisa, which you will access through your UKVI online account. Your eVisa is connected to your UKVI account and thus your visa status is associated with the ID documents that you have added to your UKVI account.
Where we have taken an applicant through the application process we will provide full guidance with regard to the above and also some guidance to follow going forward so that you are fully prepared for future applications, with a clear plan to take you through ILR and on to British Citizenship.
