Changes have been made to immigration instructions effective on and after 10 July 2020, relating to the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market. The maximum duration of new lower-skilled Essential Skills work visas has been reduced from 12 months to 6 months (to mitigate future labour market risk), for a time limited period of 18 months (i.e. for applications made between 10 July 2020 and 10 January 2022 inclusive).