UK Government Bars Over 100 Job Roles From Foreign Recruitment in Immigration Crackdown.
The United Kingdom has introduced stringent new restrictions on overseas recruitment, prohibiting more than 100 occupations from being filled by foreign workers as part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration. The Home Office announced the policy shift on Saturday, 30 August 2025, emphasising its aim to prioritise employment opportunities for British workers and overhaul the nation’s visa system.
In a statement shared on X, the Home Office declared, “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 move, spearheaded by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who assumed office on 5 July 2024 following Labour’s landslide election victory, marks a significant step in the government’s commitment to curbing immigration while addressing domestic labour needs.
The affected job categories span a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, logistics, healthcare support, public services, and the creative industries, impacting thousands of foreign workers who previously relied on these roles for legal employment in the UK. While the Home Office has not yet published the full list of restricted occupations, the policy has sparked concerns about potential labour shortages in critical areas such as health and social care, which have historically depended on overseas staff. Critics argue that the sudden restrictions could exacerbate staffing challenges, particularly in the care sector, where vacancies are already driven by low pay and poor working conditions.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the reforms, stating that they are part of a “complete reset” of the immigration system aimed at boosting domestic skills and recruitment. The government has urged employers to develop training plans to upskill British workers, warning that sectors failing to comply may face further restrictions. This follows earlier measures, including the closure of overseas recruitment for care workers announced in May 2025, which cited widespread exploitation and abuse in the sector as a key concern.
The policy has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters, including government officials, argue that it will encourage businesses to invest in local talent, reducing reliance on foreign labour and fostering economic growth. However, industry leaders have voiced alarm. Natasha Curry, deputy director of policy at the Nuffield Trust, warned that the restrictions could deepen staffing crises in social care, where reforms like the proposed fair pay agreement for care workers are not expected to take effect for several years. Similarly, critics in the hospitality and creative sectors fear that the ban could stifle economic activity in industries already struggling to fill roles.
The government’s broader immigration strategy includes raising the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700, a change implemented in April 2024 to prioritise high-skilled workers. Additionally, new rules will prevent care providers from sponsoring migrant workers unless registered with the Care Quality Commission, addressing concerns about fraudulent job offers and substandard working conditions.
As the UK navigates this significant policy shift, the government faces the challenge of balancing its commitment to reducing migration with the need to maintain a robust workforce in essential sectors. With the full list of barred occupations still undisclosed, businesses and workers alike await further clarity on how these changes will reshape the UK’s labour market in the months ahead.
