The UK government has proposed a significant increase in immigration fees, which includes more than doubling the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee from £239 to £525. This fee is paid by employers who sponsor foreign nationals under the Skilled Worker Route.
This steep increase will notably impact businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), that rely on international talent to fill critical skill gaps. The added financial burden may discourage some employers from sponsoring foreign workers, potentially worsening labour shortages in vital sectors of the UK economy.
Reduced access to skilled foreign workers could hinder economic growth and innovation. While the government aims to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the UK's economy, the increased costs might make the UK a less appealing destination for skilled workers, potentially driving talent to other countries with more competitive immigration policies.
The government argues that this fee increase is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the immigration system and to prevent an undue burden on taxpayers. The proposed fee increases are subject to parliamentary approval. Once approved, the government will announce an implementation date.
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