The United Kingdom has announced a new visa pathway for foreign workers without university degrees, aimed at curbing low-skilled migration and encouraging domestic workforce development.
Outlined in the UK government’s newly published immigration policy document, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, the reform introduces a Temporary Shortage List, targeting occupations below RQF Level 6 — roles that do not require a university degree.
Under the new framework, only specific low-skilled jobs will be eligible for temporary access to the immigration system. These opportunities will be granted strictly under limited conditions and for a defined period.
“For occupations with a skills requirement of RQF 3-5 (below degree level) where there have been long-term shortages, we will only permit use of the Points-Based immigration system on a time-limited basis,” the report noted. Eligibility will depend on guidance from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and whether employers demonstrate a clear commitment to building a UK-based workforce.
To be included on the Temporary Shortage List, roles must be vital to national interests such as the UK’s industrial strategy or essential infrastructure. The MAC will evaluate:
The presence of a workforce development strategy
Collaborations with training bodies like Skills England or Devolved Governments
Sectoral efforts to reduce dependency on migrant workers
Measures to prevent exploitation of foreign workers
The long-term sustainability of proposed plans
The MAC will then make recommendations to the Home Secretary regarding visa eligibility, the number of workers allowed, and time constraints on the visas. New rules will also include restrictions on bringing dependants.
While the full system is being developed, the UK government said it will temporarily include roles already identified by the MAC as being in shortage or necessary to national priorities.
“The Temporary Shortage List will initially contain occupations the MAC has recently considered to be in shortage or that are crucial to the UK’s Industrial Strategy,” the report stated.
In a broader shift, the UK government also announced that higher-skilled roles (RQF 6 and above) will no longer have automatic access to the immigration system if there is evidence of excessive dependence on foreign labour.
“Over time, RQF 6 and above occupations should not necessarily have guaranteed access to the Points-Based immigration system where there is evidence of overreliance on international workers,” the government warned.
The MAC and LME Group will continue to monitor labour trends and review workforce development efforts, with the ultimate goal of reducing net migration, increasing domestic employment, and enhancing the nation’s skills and productivity.