On July 29, 2026, UK Visas and Immigration published an updated register of employers authorised to sponsor work visas for foreign nationals, including Kenyan professionals.
The register now lists 142,645 licensed employers permitted to issue Certificates of Sponsorship, a mandatory document for visa applications such as Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker visas.
Understanding the Sponsor Licence
A sponsor licence allows UK companies to legally recruit workers from outside the UK, European Economic Area, or Switzerland. Only employers on this list can provide the electronic Certificate of Sponsorship, which details the job role, salary, and start date, confirming compliance with visa requirements.
There are two licence categories:
- Worker Licence: Covers long-term employment routes including Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Senior or Specialist Worker visas.
- Temporary Worker Licence: Applies to short-term roles such as creative work, charity placements, religious activities, government exchange programmes, and internships.
Implications for Kenyan Job Seekers
Kenyans aiming to work in the UK should verify prospective employers against the official register to avoid fraudulent recruitment schemes. Key sectors actively recruiting Kenyan talent include healthcare, information technology, engineering, and finance, with institutions like the National Health Service and leading universities frequently sponsoring foreign workers.
Context: Tightened UK Immigration Rules
This update coincides with significant changes to UK immigration policies announced since May 2025, which introduced stricter requirements across work, student, family, visitor, and settlement visa categories. Notably, new rules heighten compliance, criminality checks, and deportation criteria, effective from August 3, 2026.
