Medics, maths teachers, architects and web developers are on a new list of professions where the UK is seeking to recruit talent from overseas.
Skilled Khojas wanting to work in the UK may be encouraged by the expanded Shortage Occupation List issued by the immigration service.
Professionals with the requisite skills and experience, and sponsored by a company in the UK, will benefit from:
• faster work permits
• priority for their applications
• and lower visa fees.
Wider range of occupations
The system applies to non-European Economic Area migrants to the UK under an employer-sponsored Tier 2 visa.
“The list has been expanded significantly and covers a wider range of occupations in the health, technology and engineering fields to reflect the current and future labour market,” notes professional services firm KPMG.
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) now covers around 9% of jobs in the UK labour market, compared to only 1% previously.
Are you skilled in these jobs?
Professions on the list include:
1. Secondary education teachers in maths, physics, computer science and Mandarin
2. Medical practitioners, nurses and paramedics
3. Social workers
4. Engineers (all categories)
5. Software programmers, IT business analysts, cyber security specialists, web designers and web developers
6. Senior chefs
7. Skilled orchestral musicians
8. Architects and quantity surveyors
9. Graphic designers and artists
10. Physical scientists in construction, oil and gas … as well as many others roles.
Competition for talent
KPMG notes: “This expanded list recognises the increasing difficulty in filling these roles due to a buoyant UK labour market. Employers have found there is growing international competition for talent, which means there is fierce competition for skilled individuals.
“The expansion of the SOL recognises these challenges … Employers will be able to bring employees to the UK, which can help to stabilise and grow their businesses and provide more certainty.”
However, it is yet to be confirmed how this will fit with the new UK immigration system expected to be phased in from January 2021 after the Brexit transition period.
Read more here
Further details on the SOL can be found here
