Open petition: Allow Migrant Skilled Worker to do 20 hours of supplementary work in any sector

Created by Siva Rayeni
Closes on 19 February 2027

Remove sector-specific occupation restrictions on the allowed 20 hours of supplementary work. Let visa holders use these part-time hours to, for example, help struggling local independent businesses, across any industry, rather than limiting them to their primary code or the Immigration Salary List.

We think the current 20-hour rule is flawed. Some contracts ban working for competitors in the same sector, which we think can result in some visa holders feeling trapped. We think removing sector limits can let skilled workers help struggling high street businesses facing staffing crises. As a second job under HMRC’s tax codes, a significant portion of every pound earned is instantly paid as income tax. This can generate vital revenue to boost public funds and support public services, all from existing skilled workers and without increasing net migration.

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