British business migration rules tightened, but opportunities remain in UK Expansion Worker Visa

The British government has significantly tightened visa and settlement rules in a white paper published in May. The reforms have shortened the list of occupations eligible for sponsorship, ended exemptions for social workers, raised salary thresholds, and imposed stricter regulations on businesses seeking to expand into the United Kingdom. However, according to Saskia Johnston from immigration specialists Sable International, opportunities remain for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish operations in the UK. One such route is the UK Expansion Worker visa, designed specifically for foreign companies aiming to set up a brand or subsidiary in the UK. In an interview with BizNews, Johnston noted that the pivot favours established businesses and makes it considerably more difficult for smaller entities. With the goal posts constantly shifting, and the list of eligible occupation shrinking, she said there are still viable pathways for skilled workers to the UK and South Africa’s fire engineers are in high demand.