As the UK events industry continues to grapple with staffing shortages and post-Brexit workforce challenges, new immigration plans unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this week could add further complexities.
The Labour government’s whitepaper sets out proposals to “significantly” reduce net migration, aiming to reverse the record-high figures seen in recent years. While the move is designed to address public concern over immigration levels, it has sparked fresh debate about the potential impact on sectors that rely on overseas talent.
So, what measures are included, what could this mean for the events industry, and how might businesses prepare for the changes ahead?
Tightening skilled worker visa requirements
The qualification threshold for skilled worker visas will increase from A-levels to degree-level qualifications. This change is expected to eliminate approximately 180 job roles from eligibility, potentially reducing immigration by around 39,000 annually by 2029.
The events sector often relies on skilled workers such as lighting technicians, sound engineers and stage managers, many of whom may not hold degree-level experience but possess substantial practical experience. This change could exacerbate existing skill shortages, making it more challenging to staff events effectively.
Longer residency waits
Immigrants will typically have to live in the UK for 10 years before applying for the right to stay indefinitely – double the current five year period. Under the plans, this period could be reduced through a new “earned settlement” system, under which people would be awarded points to reflect their contribution to the UK “economy and society”.
The longer wait may deter skilled workers from committing to long-term careers in the UK, reducing workforce stability and exacerbating existing recruitment challenges. Without the security of permanent residency, retention of experienced staff may decline, as workers look to countries with more accessible settlement routes. The uncertainty surrounding the proposed “earned settlement” system could also create administrative burdens and complicate workforce planning for employers.
Stricter student rules
Overseas graduates will only be able to stay in the UK for 18 months after their studies, instead of two years currently.
Ministers are also thinking of charging English universities a new 6% tax on tuition fee income from international students, which they are promising to reinvest into the higher education and skills system. The government says it expects this to be passed on to international students in the form of higher fees, reducing applications by 7,000 per year.
Approximately 54% of students enrolled in UK event management degree programmes are international students. However, recent trends are already predicting a sharp decline in enrolments.
Many students use the post-study work period to gain experience in sectors like events, which benefit from their language skills, cultural insights and technical expertise. A shorter window may limit their opportunities to transition into full-time roles, while higher fees could deter prospective students altogether—particularly those considering creative and event-related courses.
This could lead to fewer young, skilled professionals entering the UK workforce, intensifying existing labour shortages within the events sector. A reduction in international students may lead to decreased diversity and a smaller talent pool, potentially impacting the industry’s growth and innovation.
Tougher English tests
Language requirements for all work visas will increase under the plans, whilst adult dependents of visa-holders will be required to demonstrate a basic understanding of English to come on a spousal and partner route. The government says those extending visas will be required to demonstrate a higher level of English when applying to settle in the UK.
Increasing the language threshold may reduce the number of eligible candidates, particularly for behind-the-scenes roles where fluency is less critical to job performance. Requiring higher levels of English for settlement could also discourage long-term commitment from skilled workers who may feel uncertain about meeting evolving language benchmarks. While improved communication can benefit workplace efficiency, the added barriers may shrink the talent pool and increase recruitment difficulties, especially for smaller event businesses with fewer resources to support language training or visa compliance.
Skills and training:
Under the plans, the government says firms in sectors deemed to rely too much on overseas workers will be “expected to comply” with strategies to boost workplace skills.
The events industry is not explicitly listed, however it could fall under scrutiny given its historical reliance on international labour. Linking skills training to the visa system may increase administrative and financial pressures on event businesses, especially SMEs, which may lack the capacity to implement formal training schemes. However, if properly supported, this move could encourage investment in domestic talent and help build a more sustainable workforce.
Loosening restrictions for some
While the government plans to tighten immigration rules in many areas, it also intends to loosen restrictions for certain groups, including graduates from elite overseas universities and top scientific or design talent.
For the events industry, this could offer modest benefits, particularly in attracting high-level professionals in areas like event technology, creative direction, and production design. An expanded global talent visa and a more accessible start-up visa route may encourage entrepreneurial graduates to launch innovative event concepts or tech-driven solutions in the UK. However, as this policy targets a niche, highly skilled demographic, its overall impact on the broader events workforce is likely to be limited.
As details of Labour’s immigration proposals continue to emerge, it’s clear that while some sectors may benefit from targeted visa expansions, the events industry could face fresh hurdles. From tighter skilled worker criteria and shorter post-study visas to increased English language requirements and longer residency waits, the combined effect could deepen existing labour shortages and disrupt the industry’s ability to attract and retain talent.
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