GB News star Alex Armstrong has alleged that Labour is hiding a "massive scandal" involving skilled visas for kebab shop workers. During an appearance on the Daily Expresso podcast with JJ Anisiobi, Armstrong slammed the Home Office for handing out skilled visas to workers in local eateries that dominate high streets.
Visa Scheme Under Fire
Under current rules, overseas migrants can secure a £41,000 yearly salary in these establishments. Armstrong expressed scepticism, stating: "You might not need a highly skilled person from abroad to come and work in a kebab shop, particularly with earning £41,000."
He noted that over 150 such companies in the UK can sponsor visas, questioning the economics: "How on earth are you all open? How are there so many of you when the economics doesn't work?"
Backdoor Route into Britain
The GB News host described an incident where he visited a kebab shop that hired seven migrants on these visas. When he asked about the skills needed and whether anyone in Britain could do the job, the workers shrugged. Armstrong called it a "backdoor route into Britain," adding: "It's perfectly legal, but it shouldn't be because we all know it's being abused."
He criticised the government's response: "The government keeps saying they're cracking down, but every week more people are seeing kebab shops, vape shops and barber shops open." Armstrong questioned why these jobs are not prioritised for British people and suggested an illegal black market trade, noting the Home Office would be paying £101,000 a year for seven employees.
Background of the Scheme
The visa scheme was officially introduced in December 2020 by a Tory Government under the new points-based immigration system. However, Labour Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has since launched crackdowns on visa fraud in high street businesses.
