159 Kebab Shops Hold Skilled Worker Visa Licences Amid Criticism

Sunday, June 14, 2026

The UK Home Office has granted 159 kebab shops licences to sponsor foreign workers under the skilled worker visa program, allowing them to hire overseas cooks and their families. This has raised concerns about the program’s misuse and compliance, leading to fines for illegal employment and prompting the government to review and tighten visa rules.

A total of 159 kebab shops in the United Kingdom currently hold licences from the Home Office enabling them to sponsor foreign workers under the skilled worker visa program, according to government records. These licences allow the businesses to recruit overseas cooks and permit the sponsored workers to bring immediate family members to the UK.

Under the skilled worker visa scheme, applicants are generally required to receive a minimum salary of £41,700 annually or meet the prevailing going rate for the role. Between 2021 and 2023, Baba Kebabish, located in East Ham, was issued seven visas categorized under “accommodation and food service activities.” Authorities emphasize there is no suggestion that the outlet is involved in any visa fraud.

However, concerns have been raised about compliance across the sector. From October to December 2025, 13 kebab shops were fined up to £90,000 each for employing illegal staff. Despite these enforcement actions, 56 kebab houses exercised their licence rights to sponsor migrants between 2021 and 2023. Other businesses such as vape shops and car washes have also used the scheme, with 79 vape outlets and 16 car washes holding sponsorship licences.

Businesses seeking to become sponsors must apply by submitting a £536 fee along with proof of a legitimate job offer. Critics argue the system is being exploited or misused. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the situation as “a disgrace,” expressing concern that many workers sponsored through the scheme may not meet the criteria for “highly skilled” roles. Conservative MP Neil O’Brien echoed these sentiments, calling the arrangement “absurd” and suggesting that a significant portion of the employment linked to the visas might be fictitious or fraudulent.

The Centre for Migration Control also criticized the current state of the sponsor licence register, describing it as “out of control.” Responding to the mounting scrutiny, the government stated that it has made efforts to tighten visa eligibility by removing 100 job categories from the list of qualifying roles. It also highlighted that record numbers of visa misuse cases are being uncovered. The Home Office confirmed it is “actively reviewing” the policy to address ongoing challenges related to the scheme’s administration and enforcement.