As of February 2025, Ryanair has decided to discontinue sponsoring UK work visas for Moroccan skilled workers after one year of employment, leading to the termination of several contracts in March 2025. This decision is primarily influenced by wage considerations and the UK’s post-Brexit immigration policies.
In July 2022, Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, highlighted challenges in hiring staff due to the UK’s immigration restrictions. He noted that while Ryanair could recruit workers from countries like Portugal, Italy, and Slovakia at existing wage levels, obtaining visas for these EU nationals was problematic. Conversely, the airline could secure visas for Moroccan nationals, but this required adherence to the UK’s Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds, which mandate a minimum annual salary of £25,600, with some exceptions allowing for £20,480.
Given these salary requirements, Ryanair’s employment of Moroccan workers necessitated higher wages than those offered to EU nationals. To manage operational costs, the airline opted to limit the sponsorship of Moroccan workers to one year, resulting in the termination of their contracts in March 2025.
This situation underscores the complexities airlines face in navigating post-Brexit immigration rules while striving to maintain competitive wage structures.
Are you a Moroccan skilled worker in the UK facing visa uncertainty due to Ryanair’s decision to end sponsorship after one year? You’re not alone. Many Moroccan employees have been informed that their contracts will be terminated in March 2025 due to visa and wage-related issues. At Farani Taylor Solicitors, we understand the challenges this situation presents. Our expert immigration team, led by Mrs Fehmina Farani (Director) and Miss Fatine Chediak (Paralegal with extensive experience in legal matters and fluent in Arabic – Darija), is ready to support Moroccan professionals in securing their legal status in the UK.