According to the UK government’s 2022 data, nearly one in six residents in England and Wales were born outside the UK, with Indians being the largest non-UK-born group. The majority of UK visas issued in 2022, including study, work, and visit visas, were granted to Indians.
Several factors contribute to the attraction of the UK for education, including cultural ease, top-ranked academic institutions, efficient degree programs, and a relatively affordable application process.
The reintroduction of a two-year post-study work visa in 2020 has further enhanced the country’s appeal. Unsurprisingly, the issuance of skilled worker visas to Indians saw a significant increase of 63% from 2021 to 2022.
While pursuing employment opportunities in a new country poses challenges, possessing specific skills can make individuals more attractive to prospective employers for a UK work visa. The UK’s ‘Skilled Worker Visa: Shortage Occupations’ list highlights jobs in high demand, particularly in healthcare, engineering, technology, education, and business sectors.
Healthcare Heroes
The global shortage of skilled healthcare professionals has been underscored by the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK actively invites qualified nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and care workers through the Skilled Worker visa scheme, providing a straightforward route to obtaining permanent residency.
Under this visa, individuals can reside and work in the UK for up to five years, with the option for indefinite renewals. To qualify for a skilled worker visa, it is essential to secure a job offer from a British employer that meets the required payment threshold. Additionally, candidates must possess the requisite qualifications and experience.
Engineering Expertise
In the UK, the engineering sector is flourishing across traditional roles like civil, mechanical, electronics, electrical, and design and development. With an anticipated annual growth rate of 2.7% until 2027, Indian engineers are highly coveted in this thriving industry.
IT Business Analysts, Architects, Systems Designers
The Information Technology (IT) industry in the UK is experiencing significant growth, leading to a heightened demand for IT business analysts, architects, engineers, and systems designers. These roles offer promising career trajectories, with an estimated job growth of 4.2% by 2027, resulting in the creation of over 5,000 new positions. Additionally, with 39.6% of professionals in this sector expected to retire, around 49,600 job opportunities will emerge.
Programmers, Software Developers
There is a high demand for programmers and software developers in the UK, with an anticipated job growth rate of 4.2% and the creation of 12,500 new positions by 2027. Concurrently, 118,900 jobs are expected to open up due to retiring professionals during the same period. Indian professionals specializing in software development and design are well-placed to leverage this trend.
Actuaries, Economists, Statisticians
Crucial for businesses and government agencies, actuaries, economists, and statisticians are sought after in the UK job market. These roles, requiring strong analytical, computer, and mathematical skills, make Indian professionals with relevant qualifications highly competitive. The National Career Services projects job growth in this sector up to 4.3% by 2027, leading to the creation of 1,800 new jobs.
The UK’s welcoming job market and streamlined visa processes continue to attract Indian talent across diverse sectors. Whether in healthcare, technology, or other fields, numerous opportunities await skilled professionals seeking a rewarding career abroad.
