The existing talent shortfall in the UK tech industry is seeing increased pressure due to a drop in skilled migration, new data reveals.
According to a Freedom of Information request made by professional services group RSM UK to UK Visas and Immigration, the number of international workers applying for a visa to work in the British tech industry has been dropping noticeable in recent months.
Examining figures from 2025, the data revealed an 11% drop from the second quarter of the year to the third, which saw 7,768 applications, itself a 6% drop from the same period in 2024.
This paints a concerning picture for the tech industry, which RSM data has already found to be struggling with workforce issues.
The group’s Technology Outlook report found that 22% of tech leaders said that maintaining employee engagement was their biggest workforce challenge, followed by the cost of UK-based talent (19%) and upskilling non-technical staff (17%).
“Tech businesses are being hit with both a decline in skilled immigration and existing talent shortages. Workforce is likely to be one of the biggest challenges for the UK tech industry in the year ahead,” said James Bull, tech industry senior analyst at RSM UK.
“The war on talent is a real issue in the tech industry. Individuals with the “right” specialist skills are few and far between, and businesses are struggling to upskill their existing staff fast enough. Some will need to look overseas, but that requires a straightforward and painless visa application process, as well as ensuring the UK is an attractive place to live and work.”
Immigration has become a sore subject for the government, which has pledged to reduce net migration. Despite this, the tech industry has come out overwhelmingly in favour of improving routes for professionals to live and work in the UK.
There has, however, been recent indications from Chancellor Rachel Reeves that the industry’s request could be met.
Last month at the World Economic Forum, Reeves said the government would overhaul the Global Talent Visa with the introduction of refunded fees for immigrants in certain critical fields such as AI, quantum and semiconductors.
