UK Government has pledged swift action against immigration abuse following revelations of corrupt advisers charging foreign nationals up to £22,000 to obtain skilled worker visas for the UK. An investigation has exposed how certain immigration consultants are coaching overseas applicants to exaggerate their qualifications and experience, allowing them to meet the UK’s skilled worker visa requirements. These roles typically require a minimum salary of £38,700, although lower thresholds apply for health and care roles.
How the Scam Operates
The scam often begins with UK businesses applying for sponsorship licences from the Home Office, claiming they cannot source suitable workers domestically. Once granted the licence, these companies, sometimes in collaboration with rogue advisers, misuse the skilled worker visa system to recruit underqualified workers from abroad.
Migrants are then charged exorbitant ‘work finder fees’, often forced to pay back large portions of their salaries to employers in return for keeping their positions under the skilled worker visa scheme. In some cases, individuals have ended up working 60-hour weeks for wages far below the legal minimum.
Breach of Sponsor Licence Rules
Companies with sponsorship licences are strictly prohibited from recovering administrative or recruitment costs from the workers they sponsor under the skilled worker visa scheme. However, the investigation revealed cases where employers disguised illegal deductions as part of the employment arrangement, while still reporting higher, official salaries to the Home Office.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
UK Home Office has announced further measures to tackle the abuse of the skilled worker visa system, including two-year bans for sponsors found guilty of violating visa regulations. Arrests for illegal working have reportedly risen by 50%
Conclusion
The recent revelations surrounding the misuse of the Skilled worker visa system highlight the challenges of balancing the need for skilled migration with maintaining the integrity of immigration processes. While the Government has taken initial steps to investigate and suspend those involved, the situation also raises broader questions about the responsibilities of employers, advisers and regulatory bodies. As efforts to strengthen enforcement continue, ensuring fairness for genuine applicants and protecting vulnerable workers should remain central to the approach. Addressing these issues will require careful oversight, collaboration, and a commitment to upholding the principles of the UK’s immigration system.
With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
