Big Win for Professionals: UK to Scrap Visa Fees for Skilled Workers in September 2025
The United Kingdom government is planning a significant policy shift by scrapping visa fees for skilled workers, a move that is expected to provide major relief for professionals aiming to move and work in the UK. This decision is being seen as part of efforts to address labour shortages and attract more international talent.
یہ فیصلہ برطانیہ میں کام کرنے کے خواہشمند ہنر مند افراد کے لیے بڑی سہولت ثابت ہوگا۔ ویزا فیس ختم ہونے سے نہ صرف درخواست گزاروں پر مالی بوجھ کم ہوگا بلکہ زیادہ ہنر مند افراد کو برطانیہ آنے کا موقع ملے گا، جو معیشت کے لیے بھی فائدہ مند ہوگا۔
Why the UK is Scrapping Visa Fees
The UK has been facing labour shortages in key industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction. To make the UK more attractive for foreign talent, authorities are now moving towards reducing or fully eliminating visa fees for skilled workers.
Currently, visa fees can cost applicants hundreds to thousands of pounds, depending on the type and duration. The removal of these charges will make the process more affordable and competitive compared to other countries offering work opportunities.
Expected Impact on Skilled Workers
The elimination of visa fees is expected to:
- Attract more skilled professionals from Asia, Africa, and other regions.
- Provide financial relief for applicants who previously faced high costs.
- Encourage industries to hire more international staff to fill shortages.
This move could particularly benefit applicants from countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, where demand for UK work visas has been consistently high.
Comparison of Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Current Fee (Approx.) | After New Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (Short-Term) | £625 | £0 |
| Skilled Worker (Long-Term) | £1,235 | £0 |
| Health & Care Worker Visa | £247–£479 | £0 |
| Intra-Company Transfer | £610–£1,408 | £0 |
Industry Reactions
Employers in the healthcare and technology sectors have welcomed this step, saying that reducing visa-related costs will make it easier to bring in much-needed workers. Analysts believe this policy will boost the UK job market and improve its global competitiveness.
Government’s Broader Strategy
This policy is also part of the UK’s broader plan to strengthen its economy post-Brexit by creating a more attractive migration system. By eliminating visa fees, the government aims to ensure that highly skilled talent can move without unnecessary financial barriers.
Conclusion
The UK’s plan to scrap visa fees for skilled workers marks a major turning point in its immigration and labour strategy. For thousands of workers globally, especially in developing countries, this move is expected to provide not only financial relief but also greater access to career opportunities in the UK. If implemented smoothly, the policy will benefit both the UK economy and skilled professionals seeking a brighter future abroad.
