"DJ" among professions included in UK's skilled worker visa list
The inclusion of DJs as "middle-skilled workers" was reportedly introduced following the UK's departure from the EU in 2021
DJs are considered "skilled workers" according to the UK's post-Brexit Visa rules, new research has found.
According to The Guardian, analysis of Home Office data from 2021-2024 found that DJs were among a number of "middle skilled" workers granted visas during the period — alongside professions such as cabin crew, fitness instructors and veterinary nurses.
The data was unearthed by University of Oxford researcher Robert McNeil, who told The Guardian that while the vocations "might not be the sort of things that are front of mind for most people when they imagine roles that are critical for UK employers to recruit from overseas," they are "challenging and require particular skills."
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McNeil explained in a blog post that the reason for "middle skilled" jobs being included in the list comes from the Home Office lowering the criteria required to apply for a skilled worker visa following the UK's departure from the EU.
"When people think about such middle-skilled jobs, roles like plumbers, bricklayers or engineering technicians spring to mind," McNeil said. "But defining what is actually ‘middle skilled’ is not straightforward. In the end, the government used an existing classification based on an official qualifications framework. Some of the results are surprising."
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Despite the findings, Home Office sources told The Guardian that foreign workers coming to the UK under the scheme must still be sponsored by an employer and are required to be paid a minimum of £38,700 per year, or £31,000 if they are under 26 and undergoing higher education.
The skilled worker visa allows successful applicants to remain the UK for five years, though DJs and musicians can also apply for a Creative Worker visa concession, which allows them to work in the country for a period of three months.
"Permit Free Festivals" can also sponsor artists, entertainers and musicians to come to the UK to work for a period of six months — according to the Home Office's website, they include The Warehouse Project, Creamfields, Wireless and more.
The UK also offers a Creative Worker visa, which requires a certificate of sponsorship, and allows artists to remain in the UK for 12 months for up to 20 hours a week.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter
