UK Opens Temporary Work Visa Route to Bricklayers, Fashion Designers, HR Officers, Others

By Iyojo Ameh

The United Kingdom has announced a new temporary work visa scheme that will allow foreign professionals in 82 mid-skilled occupations including bricklayers, fashion designers, HR officers, engineers, translators, and logistics managers to work in the country for up to five years.

The policy, unveiled through a report by the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), is aimed at addressing persistent labour shortages and supporting Britain’s long-term industrial and infrastructure goals.

A Targeted Response to Labour Gaps

The new visa route, officially listed under the Temporary Shortage List, will enable employers to recruit skilled foreign workers in sectors such as engineering, logistics, creative industries, construction, and health and safety.

Visas under the scheme will be valid for three to five years but will not offer permanent residency rights, unless future government policy changes, the MAC confirmed.

The government described the new pathway as a “narrow and targeted measure,” meant to provide short-term relief while ongoing investments in domestic training continue.

“The Temporary Shortage List provides short-term relief for employers struggling with recruitment challenges, while ensuring the government maintains a firm focus on upskilling UK residents,” the MAC said in its report.

Key Sectors and Strategic Roles

According to the MAC, the selected occupations are crucial to achieving Britain’s industrial priorities and align with eight growth-focused sectors including defence, life sciences, creative industries, and critical infrastructure such as road and hospital construction.

Under the new scheme, applicants must meet a minimum English language requirement, while employers will be mandated to submit training and recruitment plans for domestic workers to gradually reduce dependence on migrant labour.

Rising Migration and Political Pressure

The introduction of the Temporary Shortage List follows mounting pressure on the government to balance labour market needs with public concern over rising immigration figures.

Net migration to the UK soared to 906,000 in the year ending June 2023, according to official data a record high that has fueled political debate.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his administration’s firm stance on immigration amid growing unease over illegal Channel crossings and with Labour trailing the Reform UK Party in recent opinion polls.

The MAC warned that any role added to the list must be “supported by a clear plan demonstrating action to maximize the use of domestic workers and reduce reliance on migrant labour.”

A second phase of review, scheduled for July 2026, will determine which occupations should remain on the final list.

Partial List of Eligible Occupations

Job Code Occupation Title

1243 Managers in logistics
1257 Hire services managers and proprietors
1258 Directors in consultancy services
3111 Laboratory technicians
3112 Electrical and electronics technicians
3113 Engineering technicians
3114 Building and civil engineering technicians
3115 Quality assurance technicians
3116 Planning, process and production technicians
3119 Science, engineering and production technicians (n.e.c.)
3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
3131 IT operations technicians
3132 IT user support technicians
3133 Database administrators and web content technicians
3213 Medical and dental technicians
3411 Artists
3412 Authors, writers and translators
3413 Actors, entertainers and presenters
3414 Dancers and choreographers
3415 Musicians

Global Parallels

The UK joins countries such as Canada and Australia, which already operate targeted migration systems that help fill critical skill shortages in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades.

The British government hopes this new system will ensure economic stability, safeguard essential industries, and give employers breathing space to train the next generation of homegrown workers.