• UK Shortage Occupation List Update

Construction and fisheries jobs added to the UK’s Shortage Occupations List

The UK Government is adding a range of jobs in the construction and fisheries industries to the Shortage Occupations List, opening up eligibility for the popular Skilled Worker Visa to individuals who are offered a position in the UK within these industries.

The following occupations have been added to the list following a recommendation from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC):

  • Bricklayers and masons
  • Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
  • Carpenters and joiners
  • Plasterers
  • Builders
  • Individuals working in the fishing industry

Although there have been many employers who have asked the government to consider easing visa rules to help fill vacancies in restaurants, bars and other businesses in the hospitality sector, there have not been any such occupations added to the list at this time. The next opportunity for jobs to be added to or removed from the Shortage Occupations List is expected to come in Autumn 2023.

The opening up of the Skilled Worker Visa to additional types of job comes just a few days after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that visa fees and the healthcare surcharge are to increase.

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Demetris Demetriou

Demetris is a dual-qualified lawyer in the UK (Solicitor) and Cyprus (Advocate) with 10+ years of experience in UK immigration. He completed his legal studies at University College London and City University London. Over the course of his career, he held key roles as Head of Immigration at Legal 500 firms and within the Big4, overseeing teams of 15+ fee earners handling 2000+ applications annually.

Demetris went on to co-establish his firm in London and continues to offer innovative solutions and strategic immigration planning to multinationals, SMEs, and private clients.

He personally represented 1500+ clients in 30+ visa routes including investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, sole representatives, students, family visas, global talent, UK ancestry, administrative reviews and appeals. Demetris has managed corporate relocations, conducted immigration law training and implemented post-Brexit immigration policies for corporate clients.

Demetris has been featured in various events and publications focusing on UK immigration, notably at the Cambridge Network, the Westminster Policy Forum and most recently at DGEMS, a global mobility summit hosted by Forbes India.

If you would like to discuss your UK immigration matter or have any questions about your options for immigrating to the UK, you can book a consultation here.

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Construction and fisheries jobs added to the UK’s Shortage Occupations List