How to Fix the UK’s Broken Visa System
We hosted a 20-minute online briefing on our new report that examined the flaws in the Skilled Worker visa route – and explored how to build an immigration policy that puts growth first.
How to Fix the UK’s Broken Visa System
On Thursday 17th April, we hosted a concise online briefing to walk through the key insights from our new report on the Skilled Worker visa route.
The UK economy is stuck in a low-growth rut, with key industries like AI, engineering, and advanced manufacturing struggling to fill essential roles. Meanwhile, only 32% of work visas issued since 2021 have gone to highly-skilled professionals in strategic sectors – revealing a disconnect between immigration policy and the real needs of the economy.
This session unpacked the data behind these findings, explore how the current system is misfiring, and set out a vision for a redesigned Skilled Worker visa route that supports business growth while still addressing public concerns over net migration.
Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, or part of the wider talent ecosystem, this 20-minute session will equip you with clear insights – and a blueprint for a more effective system.
Key points
Visa reforms backfiring
The recent Skilled Worker visa restrictions – particularly the sharp salary threshold increase – have created severe recruitment challenges for high-growth sectors like engineering, biotech, and clean energy.
Companies report being unable to fill specialist roles, with 22.2% now unable to recruit key talent.
One size doesn’t fit
The Skilled Worker visa currently treats vastly different job types with the same criteria – from retail managers to aerospace engineers – resulting in policy that doesn’t match economic priorities.
The report calls for the creation of a new Growth Visa, tailored specifically for roles with high barriers to entry and strategic national value.
Target the right talent
Highly-skilled overseas workers in priority sectors (e.g. life sciences, financial services, clean energy) accounted for just 6.2% of net migration in 2024.
This suggests that an unnuanced policy of migration restriction could sabotage innovation and productivity. Smarter visa design could meet political imperatives while protecting the needs of the economy.
Resources for Skilled Worker Sponsors
How to apply for a sponsor license
Sponsor License Changes Explained
Visa Sponsor Compliance Guide
Why Cost Will Rise Post-Election
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