Bad news for Indian tech professionals! The new UK government might impose stricter regulations on hiring from abroad

The new UK government has indicated its intention to restrict overseas hiring by technology and engineering firms. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has requested the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) examine the sector’s dependence on skilled worker visas.

Cooper stated in a letter to the MAC Chair on Wednesday that it is important to comprehend the reasons behind the significant reliance on foreign hiring for a number of important professions. Professionals in the fields of engineering, information technology, and telecommunications were especially mentioned as having been among the top users of work visas.

Although the government values the contributions made by workers from all over the world, Cooper stated that “the system needs to be managed and controlled.” According to Cooper, the UK’s persistent skills shortages are reflected in the current high levels of international recruitment, which are unsustainable.

System against national interests: Yvette Cooper

According to Yvette Cooper, the administration wants to build a more equitable and cohesive approach to the labor market by reducing migration through the alignment of immigration with skills policy.

“The current system is not functioning in the best interests of the country. By tying immigration to skills policy, our government will provide a just, logical, and more integrated approach to the labor market, Cooper continued.

Drop in UK visa applications in recent times: Data

Recent Home Office statistics, however, show a notable decrease in visa applications from students and skilled workers. 

Since new restrictions on family dependents were introduced in recent months, applications have sharply declined.

Data from the Home Office reveals that visa applications for primary applicants and their dependents in key UK visa categories—Skilled Worker, Health and Care, and Study—dropped by 35 percent, or 187,900, in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

While immigration offers many advantages to the UK, it must be managed and implemented through a fair system,” said a spokesperson for the UK Home Office.