The Home Affairs Committee has launched a new inquiry into the UK’s approach to work-based immigration. Announced on 15 September 2026, the inquiry will examine how work migration policy supports the UK labour market. It will also consider its relationship with domestic recruitment, skills and workforce training.
A particular focus will be the Skilled Worker route. The Committee will consider whether the Government’s current approach can reduce reliance on overseas recruitment while encouraging employers to invest in the UK workforce.
Linking Immigration with Skills and Training
The inquiry follows the Committee’s Your Voice on Immigration programme. Nearly 100 people took part in citizen assembly-style discussions on work-based immigration.
Participants developed 13 principles to help inform policy. One of the main findings was that training and recruiting UK workers should be prioritised before overseas recruitment. Participants also considered it important that migrant workers are treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
The Committee will now consider how these principles could inform work migration policy. This includes examining whether immigration policy can encourage employers to invest more in domestic skills. It will also consider how quickly skills policies can reduce reliance on international recruitment.
Labour Shortages and Work Visas
Another significant part of the inquiry concerns labour shortages.
The Committee will examine when overseas recruitment should be used to address shortages. It will consider how occupations in shortage should be identified and how the Temporary Shortage List should operate.
The inquiry will also look at the role of overseas workers in essential public services, including health, education and justice.
Questions have also been raised about the conditions attached to work visas. These include whether workers in shortage occupations should bring dependants and when temporary visas may be appropriate.
Skilled Worker Salary and Visa Requirements
The Committee will examine how salary thresholds for work visas should be determined and whether the current approach meets its intended objectives.
It will also consider the effect of changing visa eligibility requirements on employers, businesses and workers.
Fair treatment forms another part of the inquiry. The Committee is seeking evidence on how migrant workers could receive better protection, including where they lose employment through no fault of their own.
What Happens Next?
The inquiry is currently accepting written evidence.
Submissions can address any of the published terms of reference and do not need to answer every question. The Committee particularly encourages evidence from academics, researchers and organisations with experience in labour migration, workforce planning and skills policy.
The deadline for written evidence is 11:59pm on 27 October 2026.
The inquiry could provide an important opportunity to examine how work visas, domestic skills and labour shortages fit within the Government’s wider immigration strategy.
Work-based immigration policy continues to develop, with employers and sponsors facing changing requirements around recruitment, sponsorship and workforce planning.
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With more than 20 years of experience in UK immigration law, our team provides professional advice to businesses and individuals on a wide range of immigration matters. For advice on Skilled Worker visas, sponsor licences or sponsoring overseas workers, contact Morgan Smith Immigration on 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected]
