The UK’s migration advisory committee (MAC) has published a new report listing 82 mid-skilled occupations that will qualify for temporary work visas under a proposed migration pathway aimed at addressing the country’s labour shortages.
Commissioned by the Home Office, the report identifies key roles essential to strengthening the UK’s critical infrastructure, as part of wider government efforts to manage net migration while sustaining economic growth.
In the report released Thursday, Brian Bell, MAC chair, recommended that the visa durations be between three to five years but noted that the committee supports in-country switching to higher-skilled roles within the skilled worker route, to encourage progression.
Bell said the committee also recommended that English Language requirements be no lower than B1.
The professor noted that the list is only temporary and would be further screened for inclusion in the report’s second stage.
A final report on the approved temporary shortage list will be published in July 2026, Bell said.
Among the temporary 82 listed professions were writers, carpenters, human resources (HR) officers, and plumbers.
Here is a full list of the initial occupations.
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