UK Work Visa Update: New Regulations and Their Impact on Indonesian Workers (2026)

Aiming for a career in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2026 is no longer as simple as just “finding a sponsor.” Over the past two years, the UK government has raised standards for skills, salary thresholds, and sponsor compliance to curb legal migration while closing loopholes for exploitation.

As a result, while opportunities for Indonesian citizens (WNI) still exist, the roadmap has shifted. The market now leans toward higher-paying, graduate-level roles requiring stronger English proficiency. This article summarizes the major updates to UK work visa regulations that you need to know.

1. Latest Policy Direction: “More Selective, More Expensive, More Strict”

The tone of current UK policy is clearly outlined in the white paper “Restoring Control over the Immigration System.” This policy links immigration to targets for reducing dependence on overseas recruitment and encouraging domestic workforce training. These reforms were translated into concrete changes in the Immigration Rules starting July 2025.

For Indonesian workers, this direction means two practical things:

1. Low-to-mid skill jobs are increasingly difficult to access from outside the UK.

2. Salary negotiation and the alignment of job titles with official Occupation Codes have become “make-or-break” factors for visa applications.

2. Skilled Worker Visa: Shifted Toward “Graduate-Level”

Previously, many medium-level jobs could be sponsored. However, changes effective July 22, 2025, raised the skill threshold for the Skilled Worker route back to RQF Level 6 (Graduate Level). Consequently, hundreds of occupation codes previously at RQF levels 3–5 are no longer automatically eligible unless they fall under specific lists (ISL/TSL) or transitional arrangements.

Regarding pay, the General Salary Threshold for Skilled Workers has seen a phased increase. Following a major hike in April 2024, it was uprated again on July 22, 2025, to £41,700 for standard applicants (new applicants without discount schemes). This means many jobs that previously qualified with a salary in the £30,000 range no longer pass without specific exceptions.

3. Salary Discounts: Higher Minimum Requirements

As of July 22, 2025, Skilled Workers can still be paid below £41,700 if they meet discount criteria (e.g., New Entrants, certain PhD holders, or Postdoctoral researchers). However, the government has set a firm floor: for many discount schemes, the minimum salary is now £33,400, provided the “going rate” for that specific job is also met.

For Indonesian citizens, the effect is immediate. The “enter the UK first, raise the salary later” strategy is now highly risky. Sponsors tend to withhold Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) unless the salary package exceeds the minimum from the start, as the Home Office assesses eligibility at the point of application.

Read Also: Essential Documents for the UK Work Document Legalization Process: Often Forgotten Items

4. Immigration Salary List (ISL): Opportunities with “Expiry Dates”

The Shortage Occupation List was replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in April 2024. Jobs on this list benefit from lower salary requirements and lower application fees. For standard Skilled Workers on the ISL, the minimum salary is £33,400 (subject to the job’s going rate).

However, the ISL is a temporary list. Many entries in Appendix ISL show a removal date of December 31, 2026. An occupation is only considered part of the ISL if the visa application uses a CoS issued before that removal date.

5. The Care Sector: Tighter Rules and Closed Entry Clearance

The most significant impact has been felt in the care sector:

• Dependants Restricted: Since March 11, 2024, care workers are no longer allowed to bring partners or children as dependants (with transitional exceptions for those already working before that date). Sponsors must also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to prevent exploitation.

• Entry Clearance Closed: The July 2025 reforms went further by closing Entry Clearance (applications from outside the UK) for Care Workers (SOC 6135). For Senior Care Workers (SOC 6136), this became effective on July 22, 2025, although “switching” within the UK remains possible until July 22, 2028, under transitional rules.

This effectively shuts down the “direct from Indonesia to UK care worker” route for new applicants. Opportunities in health now focus more on professional Healthcare Jobs requiring specific registrations (e.g., Nurses, Doctors) rather than frontline care.

6. Costs and Processing Times

According to GOV.UK, applicants must budget for:

• Visa Fees: Range from £769 to £1,751 depending on duration and location.

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year.

• Maintenance Funds: Generally £1,270 in personal savings.

As of April 9, 2025, fees for Skilled Workers (3 years or less) applied for outside the UK are £769, while Health and Care Worker visas are £304. Processing times are usually 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK and 8 weeks for those within the UK.

Read Also: The Secrets of Work Ethics and Corporate Culture in the UK That Drive Employee Productivity

7. Mandatory TB Testing in Indonesia

A crucial detail for Indonesian citizens is the Tuberculosis (TB) test. GOV.UK requires applicants staying for more than 6 months to take a TB test at an approved clinic in Indonesia (current cost: approx. IDR 850,000 for those aged 11+). This certificate is a mandatory requirement before your visa can be processed.

UK work visa updates leading into 2026 show a consistent pattern: the bar for entry is higher. To successfully secure a UK work visa, you must pay close attention to the new salary thresholds and professional registration requirements.

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