The Rise of Foreign Employment After Brexit

Following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, the job market underwent a major shift. Citizens from India and Nigeria have started occupying key positions in industries previously dominated by EU workers. The numbers are striking: third-country nationals have surpassed even locals in employment growth.

Why did this happen? Which sectors have opened up to professionals from Asia and Africa? How can you seize this opportunity? Keep reading — we break it down for you.

Growth of Foreign Employment After Brexit

Since the UK officially left the EU in 2020, the country has redefined its immigration policy. Instead of favoring EU citizens, the government has shifted toward attracting skilled workers from third countries — particularly India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The implementation of a new points-based immigration system made the process of obtaining a work visa more transparent and accessible for qualified non-EU professionals.

According to official data from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), from December 2019 to December 2023:

• The number of employed Indian citizens grew by 488,000

• The number of employed Nigerian citizens grew by 279,000

• In comparison, the number of newly employed UK citizens during the same period was only 257,000

These figures reflect a deep transformation of the labor market: the UK has become increasingly open to labor migration from countries that previously had limited access. Citizens of India and Nigeria have not only filled labor gaps in healthcare, social care, logistics, and tech, but have also become key contributors to economic growth.

Key Drivers of Growth

1. Introduction of the New Immigration System

Post-Brexit, the UK launched a points-based immigration system allowing third-country nationals to obtain work visas based on skills, experience, and language proficiency. This opened more doors for qualified professionals from India and Nigeria.

1. High Demand in Healthcare and Social Care

The UK faced a significant shortage of workers in healthcare and social care. As a result, more visas were issued to workers from India and Nigeria in these critical sectors.

1. Decline in EU Workers

After Brexit, the number of EU workers in the UK dropped, creating a vacuum in the labor market, which has since been filled by professionals from third countries.

Employment Growth Statistics

These numbers highlight the significant contribution of Indian and Nigerian citizens to UK employment growth after Brexit.

Conclusion

The rise in employment of Indian and Nigerian citizens in the UK after Brexit marks a shift in the country’s migration strategy. The new immigration system has created more opportunities for skilled third-country nationals to secure important positions in the UK job market.

For citizens of India, Nigeria, and other countries seeking legal employment in the UK, it’s essential to have a trusted partner who can help with documentation and adaptation to the new environment.