Home Office Expands Shortage Occupation List

12th September 2019 by

In the latest statement of changes announced by the Home Office on 11 Sept 2019, they have added the following occupations to the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List (SOL)

  • Vets
  • Architects
  • Web Designers

This decision implements the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommendations which were published earlier in the year.

The SOL allows UK employers to recruit non-EEA migrants without having to advertise and offer the position to settled persons and EEA migrants first. The thinking behind the SOL is to allow employers to recruit the very best talent from around the world for positions that they can’t fill with domestic workers.

Immigration Minister Seema Kennedy said:

‘Giving British based businesses the access to the brightest and best global talent is a key priority for this government. 

‘That is why we have made it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers, such as vets and web designers, that this country needs to flourish.’

The other major change relates to English Language Requirements. Dentists, doctors, midwives and nurses who have already passed an English language test accepted by their relevant professional body, do not have to sit another test before entry to the UK on a Tier 2 visa or when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

For more information, please contact our immigration team on 020 7822 4000 or email enquiries@healys.old-website.shout-loud.co.uk