UK offers skilled worker visas to overseas dog groomers, DJs and fitness instructors

Canine beauticians, disc jockeys and pilates instructors are among a surprising group of overseas employees who are eligible to apply for skilled worker visas in the UK, an Oxford academic has found.

- Rajeev Syal

As the government promises a white paper later this year to slash the number of people entering the UK to work, a list of specific yet unusual "middle-skilled" jobs to which foreign workers can still apply has been identified.

Analysis of Home Office data over three years to March 2024 shows that 334 visas were granted for "animal care service occupations", which includes dog groomers, dog walkers, stable hands, kennel assistants and veterinary nursing assistants.

Over the same period, 167 fitness and wellbeing instructors, who include pilates, yoga and lifestyle gurus, were also given skilled worker visas.

It comes as Keir Starmer launches a blitz on both legal and illegal immigration amid a poll surge by Nigel Farage's Reform UK.