Employment permit occupations review announces 32 changes

The Department of Enterprise announced 32 changes following the 2025 occupations lists review on 28 May 2026.

Added to the Critical Skills Occupations List

The six additions are Agronomist, Construction Planner or Scheduler, Community Eye Care, Intellectual Property Professionals, Geospatial Surveyor — also known as Land Surveyor or Geomatics Surveyor — and Riggers within the games industry.

These occupations are now eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, subject to the permit requirements. The permit has no labour market needs test, allows immediate family reunification applications and provides a route to Stamp 4. See our Stamp 4 guide for the current upgrade criteria.

Removed from the Ineligible Occupations List

Nine roles became eligible for a General Employment Permit: Pharmaceutical Technicians in healthcare, Dental Hygienist, Plastic Lining Technicians, Steel Fixers, Fencing Operators and Erectors, Curtain Wallers, Printers, Industrial Machine Knitter, and Concrete Pump Operator.

New and renewed quotas

New General Employment Permit quotas were created for Fish Filleters and Seafood Operatives. Fifteen existing quotas were renewed, including HGV and bus mechanics, vehicle body builders, butchers, home support services, meat processing operatives, dairy farm assistants, horticulture operatives and a number of hospitality roles.

The 50:50 rule

The Government also approved the preparation of an amendment to the Employment Permits Act 2024 to review the 50:50 rule for health and social care. The rule requires at least half of an employer’s staff to be UK or EEA nationals. The proposed review responds to staffing pressure in the sector.

The announcement did not change the 50:50 rule. It authorised preparation of an amendment.