The United Kingdom government has announced new restrictions on overseas recruitment, barring foreign workers from filling more than 100 occupations as part of efforts to reduce net migration.
The Home Office confirmed the changes in a statement on X on Saturday, describing the move as a step toward creating more opportunities for British workers and reshaping the visa system.
“Cutting net migration means getting the fundamentals right. More than 100 occupations are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment – opening up more jobs for British workers. A fairer, skills-focused system is now taking shape,” the Home Office wrote.
The policy marks one of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s early reforms since taking office on July 5, 2024, following Labour’s landslide election victory over former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Critics have warned that the restrictions could deepen labour shortages in key industries, including health and social care, which already rely heavily on migrant workers. Other affected sectors include hospitality, logistics, public services, and the creative industries — areas where thousands of foreign workers had previously secured employment.
The Home Office has not yet released the full list of the restricted occupations.
