UK’s Skilled Worker visa system, introduced as part of post-Brexit immigration reforms, was designed to attract genuine talent and fill labour shortages across key industries. However, recent revelations suggest that the scheme may be facing a serious credibility crisis.
The Home Office has launched an investigation following reports that some migrants may be securing fraudulent job offers in order to remain in the UK unlawfully under the Skilled Worker visa route.
The allegations were brought to light through an investigation conducted by The Times, which uncovered multiple instances of so-called visa agents offering migrants false employment records to secure visa sponsorship.
The Times Investigation: A Growing Underground Market
The newspaper reported speaking with 26 agents and identifying around 250 examples of fraudulent job arrangements being used to support Skilled Worker visa applications. These arrangements allegedly involved migrants paying significant sums in some cases up to £13,000 in exchange for fabricated documentation.
The investigation described agents providing:
- Fake CVs
- Payroll records
- Bank statements
- False job histories
All designed to create the appearance of legitimate employment under the Skilled Worker sponsorship route, even where the job itself did not exist.
In some cases, migrants were reportedly scammed, left out of pocket by intermediaries operating within this growing black market.
A Scheme Built for Shortages, Now Under Scrutiny
The Skilled Worker visa sponsorship scheme was introduced in 2020, during Boris Johnson, as a central pillar of the UK’s new immigration framework.
The route allows migrants to live and work legally in the UK provided they have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer. It has been widely used in shortage sectors such as:
- Social care
- Healthcare support
- Construction trades including bricklaying
The intention was clear: address labour gaps with regulated migration.
Yet the allegations highlighted by The Times point to a darker parallel system, where sponsorship may be treated not as a legal employment pathway but as a commodity for sale.
Home Office Response: “This Will Not Be Tolerated”
Following the investigation, a Government spokesperson confirmed that action is being taken.
“We are investigating this illegal activity and it will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.
They further emphasised the Government’s broader stance on reducing migration levels:
“We will do whatever it takes to secure our borders and cut the levels of migration.”
The spokesperson also noted that refusal rates for Skilled Worker visas have risen, alongside a reported drop in applications:
“Skilled worker refusal rates have increased substantially under this government and we’ve seen over 100,000 fewer visa applications in 2025.”
Additionally, enforcement measures appear to be escalating:
“Skilled worker sponsor revocations are also at record levels under this government and we have doubled the cooling off period for repeat offenders.”
Political Fallout: A System Out of Control?
Unsurprisingly, the story has triggered fierce political backlash.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, claimed the revelations demonstrate a lack of control at the heart of government:
“This shocking investigation shows that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has no control over our immigration system.”
He added:
“Fraudsters are enabling immigrants to enter or stay in this country illegally at will.”
Reform UK also weighed in, calling it evidence of systemic failure:
“This scandal exposes a complete breakdown in border and immigration enforcement under successive governments.”
They argued that a lax sponsor licence system has enabled fraudulent visas, illegal working, and a thriving black market.
Falling Visa Applications and Policy Tightening
The controversy comes at a time when Skilled Worker visa applications are already declining sharply.
Data released in January showed:
- 85,500 Skilled Worker visa applications in 2025, down 36% from 132,700 the year before
- 61,000 Health and Care Worker visa applications, down 51% from 123,300 in 2024
These reductions are widely expected to reflect Labour Government restrictions introduced in summer 2025, including:
- Ending overseas recruitment of care workers
- Raising the minimum salary threshold from £38,700 to £41,700
A Serious Question for UK Immigration Integrity
The allegations raised by The Times strike at the heart of the UK’s sponsorship model. If genuine employment can be replaced with fraudulent paperwork purchased through intermediaries, then the system risks losing public confidence entirely.
While the Home Office insists enforcement is increasing, critics argue that reactive investigations may not be enough. The deeper issue may lie in how sponsorship compliance is monitored, how licences are granted and whether sufficient safeguards exist against exploitation.
The Skilled Worker route was created to attract real skills, not to facilitate a marketplace of deception.
The question now is unavoidable:
Is the UK’s work visa system being quietly turned into a black-market transaction and how long can it remain credible if fraud continues unchecked?
Follow us to stay updated on the latest UK immigration changes. With over 20 years of experience and a steadfast 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 and provide tailored advice for your circumstances. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
