The United Kingdom has released a list of 82 mid-skilled jobs that could qualify foreigners for a new Temporary Work Visa, a move aimed at tackling the country’s ongoing labour shortages.
UK Takes New Step to Address Labour Shortages
The UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a new report identifying 82 occupations that could make foreigners eligible for a temporary work visa under the country’s migration reform.
According to the Home Office, these jobs are considered essential to strengthening the UK’s economy. The goal is to fill skill gaps in key industries while still maintaining control over the number of people moving into the country.
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This new pathway is part of what’s called the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), a framework designed to attract skilled workers into sectors facing staff shortages.
How the Temporary Work Visa Works
Under this new system, foreigners with the right qualifications can work in the UK for a short period, usually between 3 to 5 years.
However, this visa does not lead to permanent residency. It’s meant for temporary employment only giving workers international experience while helping the UK bridge short-term labour gaps.
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Applicants must demonstrate at least a B1 level of English proficiency to qualify. Those who later wish to switch to a longer-term Skilled Worker Visa will need to meet the higher B2 English requirement.
The UK government believes this initiative will help balance economic needs with migration control. It also gives room for workers to move up to higher-skilled positions (RQF Level 6 or above) under the Skilled Worker route if they qualify later on.
82 Jobs That Made the Shortlist
The MAC’s first-stage review listed 82 mid-level occupations across several industries. These range from engineering and construction to finance, healthcare, and creative roles.
Some of the most notable jobs include:
Managers in logistics
Hire services managers and proprietors
Directors in consultancy services
Laboratory technicians
Electrical and electronics technicians
Engineering technicians
Building and civil engineering technicians
Quality assurance technicians
Planning, process and production technicians
Science, engineering and production technicians not elsewhere classified (n.e.c).
CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
IT operations technicians
IT user support technicians
Database administrators and web content technicians
Medical and Dental Technicians
Artists
Authors, writers and translators
Actors, entertainers and presenters
Dancers and choreographers
Musicians
Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
Interior designers
3Clothing, fashion and accessories designers
Design occupations n.e.c.
Ship and hovercraft officers
Legal associate professionals
Insurance underwriters
Financial and accounting technicians
Financial accounts managers
Estimators, valuers and assessors
Project support officers
Data analysts
Business associate professionals n.e.c.
Business sales executives
Marketing associate professionals
Sales accounts and business development managers
Human resources and industrial relations officers
Information technology trainers
Inspectors of standards and regulations
Health and safety managers and officers
Credit controllers
Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks
Financial administrative occupations n.e.c.
Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants
Oda administrative occupations n.e.c.
Company secretaries and administrators
Sheet metal workers
Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations
Welding Trades
Pipe fitters
Metal machining setters and setter-operators
Metal working production and maintenance fitters Precision instrument makers and repairers
Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers
Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians
Aircraft maintenance and related trades
Boat and ship builders and repairers
Electricians and electrical fitters
Telecoms and related network installers and repairers
TV, video and audio servicers and repairers
Computer system and equipment installers and servicers
Security system installers and repairers
Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers
Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.
Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors
Steel erectors
Stonemasons and related trades
Bricklayers
Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
Plumbers & heating and ventilating installers and repairers
Carpenters and joiners
Construction and building trades n.e.c.
Plasterers
Floorers and wall tilers
Painters and decorators
Construction and building trades supervisors
Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers
Chemical and related process operatives
Energy plant operatives
Water and sewerage plant operatives
Routine inspectors and testers
Elementary sales occupations n.e.c
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This is only the first stage of the review. The second stage is scheduled to begin in July 2026, when the final list of eligible jobs will be confirmed.
Visa Duration, Fees, and Key Requirements
Foreigners applying for the Temporary Shortage List Visa can stay in the UK for a fixed period of 3–5 years. However, visa holders will not be eligible for welfare benefits during this time.
The main costs include:
Visa application fee
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Immigration Skills Charge
These fees cover the cost of processing applications and maintaining border services. While the UK government hopes these charges will discourage employers from over-relying on foreign workers, it also mentioned that TSL fees may be lower compared to the Skilled Worker Visa route.
The Home Secretary is expected to review the salary thresholds for Temporary Shortage List occupations by December 2025.
What This Means for Foreign Workers
This development could open new opportunities for Africans and immigrants who have mid-level professional or technical skills but don’t qualify for the higher-tier Skilled Worker Visa.
From engineers and IT technicians to welders and designers, this pathway provides a chance to gain UK work experience, earn international exposure, and potentially transition to a more advanced visa category later on.
However, it’s important to understand that this is not a permanent residency route, it’s designed to fill specific short-term needs in the UK labour market.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s new Temporary Work Visa scheme is a strategic move to solve labour shortages without permanently increasing migration levels. For foreign professionals, especially from Africa, this could be a valuable entry point into the UK job market.
If you have skills in any of the listed sectors, this might be the time to start preparing your qualifications, improving your English proficiency, and positioning yourself for opportunities when the visa officially launches.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or immigration advice. Visa rules and requirements are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to check official UK government sources or consult a certified immigration adviser before applying.