UK Grants Home Office Licenses to 159 Kebab Shops to Recruit Overseas Workers

Andover – Kebab House by Chris Talbot, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 | Jihad Watch

Kebab shops, vape stores, and even car washes across Britain are being permitted to sponsor overseas workers under the UK's visa system.

According to official figures, 159 kebab shops have received Home Office licences enabling them to recruit foreign workers through the Skilled Worker visa route. Sponsored employees are often eligible to bring their family members to the UK.

The numbers have drawn criticism from senior Conservative politicians and migration campaigners, who argue that the scheme is being used far beyond its intended purpose. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the situation "a disgrace," claiming that many sponsored employees do not fit the description of highly skilled workers.

Conservative MP Neil O'Brien also criticised the policy, describing it as "absurd" and alleging that some businesses are being used for "fake-visa milling." The Centre for Migration Control said the figures indicate that the sponsorship system has become "out of control."

Current rules require Skilled Worker visa applicants to earn at least £41,700 annually or meet the salary threshold set for their occupation.

Among the businesses listed, Baba Kebabish in East Ham was granted seven visas for positions classified under accommodation and food service activities. There is no indication that the business has engaged in any wrongdoing or has links to visa fraud.

Official records further show that 79 vape shops and 16 car washes also possess licences allowing them to sponsor overseas workers.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)