All jobs except for those in your native authority area will ask for Min experience (500 hrs on type) . In case it is lesser the companies are questioned by political interests why locals cannot be tained. it is this "500 hrs + Type rated" which cuts down their time to release to about 2-3 months fom the 4-5 monhs for non type rated.
It is this experience which places the individual in " Wanted Skills" for work permit/ visa etc.. else the pilot is just another unemployed pilot, of which there are many from ones own country.
having said that, often a type rating is mandatory and the hours are often negotiable in case numbers are not met. demand and supply really