UK To Tighten Overseas Hiring In IT: Indian Techies May Struggle To Bag Jobs In Country

The UK government, under Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has signaled its intention to reduce overseas hiring in technology and engineering sectors.

Cooper has tasked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) with reviewing the heavy reliance on skilled worker visas in these fields.

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In a letter to the MAC Chair, Cooper highlighted the need to understand why key occupations, such as information technology and telecommunications professionals, as well as engineering professionals, depend so heavily on international recruitment.

While acknowledging the contributions of workers from around the world, Cooper emphasised the need for a managed and controlled system.

She stated, "The current high levels of international recruitment are unsustainable and reflect ongoing skills shortages in the UK." The government aims to reduce migration by aligning immigration with skills policy, thereby creating a fairer and more coherent approach to the labor market. Cooper noted, "The system as it exists is not operating in the national interest."

Despite these measures, recent Home Office statistics reveal a sharp decline in visa applications from students and skilled workers, following new restrictions on family dependents.

Applications in key UK visa categories, including Skilled Worker, Health and Care, and Study, fell by 35 percent, or 187,900, in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

A UK Home Office spokesperson added, "Immigration brings many benefits to the UK, but it must be controlled and delivered through a fair system."