---
title: "Working in the UK from Indonesia: Legal Routes and Red Flags"
description: "Legal routes to the UK for Indonesians: Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker for nurses, and Seasonal Worker. Overseas care worker visas are closed."
lang: en
canonical: "https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/"
datePublished: "2026-10-07"
dateModified: "2026-10-07"
sources:
  - "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-for-health-and-social-care-jobs-in-the-uk-from-abroad/part-1-applying-for-health-and-social-care-jobs-in-the-uk-from-abroad"
  - "https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job"
  - "https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa"
  - "https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english"
  - "https://www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa"
  - "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/seasonal-work-on-farms-guidance-for-workers"
  - "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers"
  - "https://chevening.org/resource-hub/guidance/eligibility/"
  - "https://peraturan.go.id/files/uu18-2017bt.pdf"
  - "https://siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id/profil/lembaga/list_lembaga/p3mi"
  - "https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates"
---

> Markdown version of https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/. Cite that HTML page and its update date.

# Working in the United Kingdom through legal routes

Written by KarirAman editorial team Approved by [Kaiser Khan](https://kariraman.com/en/authors/kaiser-khan/) (editor), 8 October 2026 Updated 7 October 2026

Legal routes to the UK for Indonesians: Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker for nurses, and Seasonal Worker. Overseas care worker visas are closed.

## Summary

- Since 22 July 2025, the care worker and senior care worker visa route has been closed to new applicants from outside the UK.
- The Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas need a job offer from an employer with a Home Office sponsor licence.
- New Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker applicants must prove English at level B2 or above.
- The sponsor licence fee, certificate of sponsorship fee and immigration skills charge must be paid by the employer, not you.
- Seasonal Worker visas are only sponsored by official scheme operators, and operators do not ask for money in exchange for a visa.

## Which legal work routes exist for the United Kingdom?

- **Routes we cover:** 4
- **Routes marked Open:** 3
- **Status last checked:** 7 October 2026

**Summary of legal work routes to the United Kingdom**

| Route | Status | Age | Language tests | Who pays placement costs |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Care worker and senior care worker visa](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/care-workers/) | Closed<br>Status as of 7 October 2026 | Not stated | Not stated | No legal placement |
| [Health and Care Worker visa for nurses and health professionals](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/health-and-care-worker-visa/) | Open<br>Status as of 7 October 2026 | Not stated | Secure English Language Test (SELT), or an English assessment accepted by the NMC: B2 or above for new applicants | Through a P3MI: the employer. Independent applications: check this route’s cost rules. |
| [Seasonal Worker visa](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/seasonal-worker-visa/) | Open<br>Status as of 7 October 2026 | at least 18 years | Not stated | Through a P3MI: the employer. Independent applications: check this route’s cost rules. |
| [Skilled Worker visa](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/skilled-worker-visa/) | Open<br>Status as of 7 October 2026 | Not stated | Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider: B2 or above for new applicants | The applicant, no agency |

[Compare with other routes to work abroad](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/compare/#inggris-care-workers)

- [Closed **Care worker and senior care worker visa** Closed to new applicants from outside the UK since 22 July 2025. Codes 6135 and 6136 are only for extending or switching inside the UK under certain conditions. Status as of 7 October 2026](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/care-workers/)
- [Open **Health and Care Worker visa for nurses and health professionals** Open for doctors, nurses and listed health professionals. Care workers (6135) and senior care workers (6136) from outside the UK can no longer apply since 22 July 2025. Status as of 7 October 2026](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/health-and-care-worker-visa/)
- [Open **Seasonal Worker visa** Open through official scheme operators: horticulture up to 6 months, poultry 2 October to 31 December. Poultry visas must be applied for by 15 November. Status as of 7 October 2026](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/seasonal-worker-visa/)
- [Open **Skilled Worker visa** Open for eligible jobs with a licensed sponsor. Since 22 July 2025 salary thresholds rose and the skill threshold returned to RQF level 6. Status as of 7 October 2026](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/skilled-worker-visa/)

## Which route fits you?

For Indonesians, the UK work routes open as of 7 October 2026 are Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker for nurses and health professionals, and Seasonal Worker through scheme operators. The route for care workers from abroad has closed. All of these work visas need a sponsor, and sponsors may not pass sponsorship costs on to you.

**UK work routes for Indonesians (as of 7 October 2026)**

| Route | Status | Who it is for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Skilled Worker | Open | Skilled jobs with a licensed sponsor |
| Health and Care Worker (nurses and health professionals) | Open | Doctors, nurses and listed health professionals |
| Care worker from abroad | Closed since 22 July 2025 | No new route for applicants outside the UK |
| Seasonal Worker | Open through scheme operators | Horticulture up to 6 months; poultry 2 October to 31 December |

## What is the minimum wage in the UK?

The UK minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over is called the National Living Wage and applies per hour from April 2026; rates change every 1 April. Work visas such as Skilled Worker have their own, higher salary thresholds, covered on each route page.

**UK National Living Wage per hour**

| Area or group | Official floor | Approximate rupiah value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UK, aged 21 and over<br>Applies to: National Living Wage, the hourly minimum for workers aged 21 and over | GBP 12.71<br>per hour<br>In force from 1 April 2026 | about IDR 300,851<br>rate as of 8 October 2026 |

[HM Government (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) 7 October 2026

## What about Chevening scholarships?

Chevening is the UK government's scholarship for master's study. Scholars must commit to return to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends, so Chevening is not a route to work in the UK straight away.

## How can you check a UK job offer?

Look up the employer in the Home Office register of licensed sponsors. The UK government says UK-based agencies may not charge workers recruitment fees, and sponsorship costs must be paid by the employer. For seasonal work, apply only through the scheme operators listed on GOV.UK. If an agency in Indonesia is involved, make sure it is an active P3MI on SISKOP2MI.

## Which official channels can you contact?

- **Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI)** Overseas recruitment, illegal agents and migrant-worker protection [0800-1000](tel:08001000) [+62-21-29244800](tel:+622129244800) [WhatsApp 0811-8080-141](https://wa.me/628118080141) [kp2mi.go.id](https://kp2mi.go.id/)
- **Licensed agency (P3MI) list on SISKOP2MI** Check a licensed migrant-worker placement agency and its status [siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id](https://siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id/profil/lembaga/list_lembaga/p3mi)
- **Official overseas job orders on SISKOP2MI** Official job orders for migrant workers [siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id](https://siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id/lowongan/list)
- **Peduli WNI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)** Help for Indonesian citizens in trouble or danger abroad [+62-812-9007-0027](tel:+6281290070027) [WhatsApp +62-812-9007-0027](https://wa.me/6281290070027) [peduliwni.kemlu.go.id](https://peduliwni.kemlu.go.id/beranda.html)

## Frequently asked questions

**Are UK care worker jobs still open to applicants from Indonesia?**

Not for new applicants from outside the UK. According to the UK government, the care worker and senior care worker route closed to new applications from overseas on 22 July 2025. 'UK care worker visa' offers asking for fees in Indonesia should be treated as suspicious.

**Can a Chevening scholarship lead to a job in the UK?**

Not directly. Chevening scholars must commit to return to their home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends, so Chevening is designed for study followed by a career at home.

**What is the age limit for working in the United Kingdom?**

Age limits differ by legal route: Seasonal Worker visa: at least 18 years. Check the route page again before you apply.

**Which language tests do you need to work in the United Kingdom?**

The language tests the legal routes to the United Kingdom ask for: Health and Care Worker visa for nurses and health professionals: Secure English Language Test (SELT), or an English assessment accepted by the NMC: B2 or above for new applicants; Skilled Worker visa: Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider: B2 or above for new applicants.

**Which visa do you need to work in the United Kingdom?**

The legal routes to the United Kingdom use these visas or permits: Health and Care Worker visa for nurses and health professionals: Health and Care Worker visa; Seasonal Worker visa: Seasonal Worker visa; Skilled Worker visa: Skilled Worker visa. Apply only through the destination government's official website or its mission.

**What is the minimum wage for working in the United Kingdom?**

The official pay floor for the Health and Care Worker visa for nurses and health professionals route in the United Kingdom is GBP 12.71 per hour, in force from 1 April 2026 (HM Government (GOV.UK)). This is the legal minimum in the United Kingdom, not an offered wage.

## Who wrote and reviewed this page?

Written by KarirAman editorial team Published 7 October 2026 Updated 7 October 2026

Prepared with AI assistance. Checked against official sources and approved for publication by Kaiser Khan (editor). Approval date: 8 October 2026.

## Sources

The facts on this page come from these sources. Dates show when we opened them.

1. [Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad, part 1 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-for-health-and-social-care-jobs-in-the-uk-from-abroad/part-1-applying-for-health-and-social-care-jobs-in-the-uk-from-abroad) Department of Health and Social Care (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026
2. [Skilled Worker visa: Your job (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job) UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026
3. [Health and Care Worker visa (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa) UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026
4. [Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english) UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026
5. [Seasonal Worker visa (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa) UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026
6. [Seasonal work on farms: guidance for workers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/seasonal-work-on-farms-guidance-for-workers) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026
7. [Register of licensed sponsors: workers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers) Home Office (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026
8. [Chevening Scholarships: eligibility](https://chevening.org/resource-hub/guidance/eligibility/) Chevening (UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) · accessed 7 October 2026
9. [Undang-Undang Nomor 18 Tahun 2017 tentang Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia](https://peraturan.go.id/files/uu18-2017bt.pdf) Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id) · UU 18/2017 · accessed 7 October 2026
10. [SISKOP2MI: Profil Lembaga P3MI, detail dan daftar sanksi administratif](https://siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id/profil/lembaga/list_lembaga/p3mi) KP2MI/BP2MI (SISKOP2MI) · accessed 7 October 2026
11. [National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) HM Government (GOV.UK) · accessed 7 October 2026

**How to cite**

KarirAman (2026). Working in the United Kingdom through legal routes. Updated 7 October 2026. https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/

[Report a fake job](https://kariraman.com/en/report-form/) [Report a data problem](mailto:redaksi@kariraman.com?subject=Data%20correction%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fkariraman.com%2Fen%2Fwork-abroad%2Funited-kingdom%2F&body=Page%3A%20Working%20in%20the%20United%20Kingdom%20through%20legal%20routes%0AUpdated%3A%207%20October%202026%0A%0AWhat%20needs%20correcting%3A%0A%0ACorrect%20official%20source%20%28link%29%3A%0A) [How we handle corrections](https://kariraman.com/en/contact/#koreksi)

## Related guides

- [**Skilled Worker visa**](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/skilled-worker-visa/)
- [**Health and Care Worker visa for nurses and health professionals**](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/health-and-care-worker-visa/)
- [**Care worker and senior care worker visa**](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/care-workers/)
- [**Seasonal Worker visa**](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/united-kingdom/seasonal-worker-visa/)
- [**Nurse**](https://kariraman.com/en/careers/nurse/)
- [**How to check a licensed overseas recruitment agency (P3MI) on SISKOP2MI**](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/check-a-licensed-agency/)
- [**Human trafficking (TPPO) through job offers**](https://kariraman.com/en/job-scams/human-trafficking/)
- [**Job checker: is this job offer a scam?**](https://kariraman.com/en/check-a-job/)

- [Panduan Warga passport guide](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/indonesian-passport-m-paspor/)
- [Panduan Warga guide to visas abroad for Indonesians](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/visas-abroad-for-indonesians/)
- [studying in the United Kingdom: graduate data and official links (CourseToJob)](https://coursetojob.com/countries/united-kingdom/)
- [UK Student visa and Graduate visa explained (CourseToJob UK)](https://coursetojob.co.uk/international-students/student-visas/)

CariTalent and PanduanHewan are Kode Nirlaba projects; Panduan Warga and The Cast Index are independent publications with the same founder. CourseToJob is a study-guide site with the same owner, run by Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd.