The UK government is thinking about a short-term visa program for EU workers.

The UK government is thinking about launching a short-term visa scheme that would aid in bringing in foreign workers without influencing population growth rates and addressing labor shortages in the hotel industry.

The plans would make it possible for young people from a few nations, between the ages of 18 and 30, to work in the UK for up to two years without needing an employer's sponsorship. Additionally, they would not be subject to the income and skill restrictions that apply under the skilled worker route, allowing employers to use the program to fill lower-paying positions inside their company.

Recent occurrences like Brexit, the pandemic, and a more challenging economic climate have all had a particularly negative impact on the hotel industry. Employers have found it more difficult to fill specific positions, such as those for waiters, baristas, and housekeepers, as a result of the UK's post-Brexit immigration laws, as this sector historically extensively relied on free movement to recruit workers from the EU.

The number of open positions in the hospitality industry has decreased over the past year, but the industry still faces a staffing shortfall; according to trade group UK Hospitality, open positions are currently 48% higher than they were before the epidemic.

The majority of foreign students in the UK on a student visa are allowed to work part-time jobs to support their education. There are certain limitations, such as a limit on the amount of hours that students can work during the academic year, but since the education provider sponsors the visa, employers are not obligated to do so for students who are employed part-time.

In conclusion, the UK government's discussions on the short-term visa program show that it is taking proactive steps to address the labor shortages that are plaguing the hospitality industry. The suggested plan could revitalize the industry and aid it in recovering from the numerous difficulties it has encountered by making it easier for young overseas workers to enter.

The prospective inclusion of non-EU nations in the program's scope as well as its expansion to include a wider range of roles continue to be hot topics as discussions move forward.

For more info: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/uk-government-considering-short-term-visa-scheme-for-eu-workers/