Recent reports show that the UK tech sector has been experiencing a 20% increase since 2023 and is currently valued at $1 trillion. This growth has contributed to the increase of UK immigration from Pakistan most Pakistani professionals now wish to be part of this success story.
The key aspects that have contributed to the major success of the UK tech company are tech startups and scaleups, Artificial intelligence, the research and development sector and significant government support.
As a skilled tech personnel, it would therefore be ideal to relocate from Pakistan to the UK if there are opportunities for career growth, diverse culture and higher salaries.
Instead of simply working remotely (which is also ideal), you can learn how to access the various tech and digital opportunities so that you can successfully relocate to the UK.
This article will teach you why the UK is the ideal place for you as a Pakistani tech professional, the in-demand skills needed in the UK, how to find tech jobs in the UK from Pakistan and other major information you need.
Table of Contents
Why the UK for Pakistani Tech Professionals
For the UK to stay at the top of the tech ecosystem in Europe, they need very skilled individuals who can take on major roles. The high demand for skilled tech professionals creates a very strong job market in the UK.
Moreover, tech salaries in Pakistan are significantly lower than the average UK salary for similar roles. For instance, the average salary for a software engineer in Pakistan is around Rs. 3.37 million a year (i.e. 9579.73) while in the UK, someone in a similar role earns between 45,000 to 100,000 yearly.
This huge gap is one of the major reasons why Pakistani tech professionals relocate to the UK. The innovation hub in the UK provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and technologies.
The diversity in the tech industry creates a welcoming atmosphere for international professionals who wish to relocate. The UK is also a fertile ground for tech professionals who wish to advance and develop in their respective fields.
In-Demand Tech Skills in the UK
Now that you know why you should relocate to the UK as a Pakistani tech professional, what skills do you need to have to relocate?
The following are the in-demand tech skills in the UK:
- Software Development (Full-stack, Front-end, Back-end)
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- AI/Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing
- DevOps
- UX/UI Design
- Project Management
Apart from these skills, there are highly sought after technologies and programming languages. They are:
- C#
- Rust
- Kotlin
- Swift
- Go
- Python
- SQL
- C++
- Java
- Ruby
- JavaScript
Finding Tech Jobs in the UK from Pakistan
You can find tech jobs open to applicants who don’t reside in the UK on job boards such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, CWJobs, FlexJobs Corporation, etc.
The job boards allow you to apply for open jobs by employers or tech recruitment firms in the UK. This means you can also reach out to these firms and pay a fee so that they can connect you with your ideal employer.
You can also attend online and in-person tech events on LinkedIn or other location so that you can connect with professionals. They may be the client you are searching for or the people who will connect you to your ideal clients.
You can also search and find tech companies in the UK and apply to them directly presenting a strong CV and portfolio. Even if they are not hiring, you can send a cold email making a strong case on why they should hire you.
Who knows? Some companies may reject you for reasons not related to you or your qualifications while others may likely hire you.
Visa Options for Pakistani Tech Professionals
The visa options available for Pakistani tech professionals include the Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Start-up Visa and the Innovator Visa.
For the Skilled Worker Visa, you have to be at least 18 years old, meet the English language proficiency requirement (such as CEFR level B1), have a CoS from an eligible UK employer, be financial sustainable, provide a criminal record and have a job that falls under an eligible occupation code.
A Pakistani tech professional who has certified leadership qualities or can be considered a potential leader in tech and digital fields can apply for the Global Talent Visa.
You will need the help of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you against unnecessary mistakes and help you through the complexity of the visa application process.
Cost of Living in the UK
When planning to relocate to the UK, you need to make research on accommodation, transportation, food and groceries, healthcare, utilities and entertainment based on the exact city you are going to.
For instance, it would be more expensive to live in major cities like London or Manchester than it would be to live in Birmingham.
You also need to consider transportation costs for commuting from your place to work, social gatherings, the supermarket and other locations. If you have a driving license, you may want to rent or buy a car cause it will be relatively cheaper.
The amount of money you would spend on food and groceries depend on the number of people involved, lifestyle, eating habits and preferences. A single person could spend between 150 – 250 per month, two adults could spend at least 390 per month, while a family of three would spend 536 per month.
Best Cities for Tech Jobs in the UK
If you wish to relocate to the best cities for tech jobs, you may need to consider London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Bristol, Leeds, and Birmingham.
These cities are considered the tech hubs for digital and creative industries, fintech and data science, and startups and research institutions.
Networking and Community for Pakistani Expats
When you arrive to the UK, you will need the help of those who have been there before you to settle in properly. Hence, it is important to connect with other Pakistanis in the UK by attending cultural centers and organizations or tech meetups and events.
Conclusion
Before you relocate to the UK, you need to ensure you are well-prepared. For instance, you need to find a secure place to live or a temporary place to stay once you enter the UK.
Either you open a bank account while in Pakistan or you wait till you enter the UK to open one. A new location means new people, culture and customs, so you need to understand the cultural differences in the UK to adjust properly.
