Business immigration

If you are a business, don’t be left behind!

The previous rules for employing migrant workers is due to change on 01.01.2021 and in a huge change of policy the Home Office are encouraging businesses to apply for a sponsor licence to employ migrant (including EU workers) from now – even if you don’t know if you will need to employ them.

The current system for UK based business being able to employ EU nationals alongside settled workers without any further systems in place is due to change. From 1 st January 2021 (after Brexit) new points-based immigration system will come into effect.

There will be a new system in place to provide for EU and non-EU citizens alike – not of course people with settled status, pre-settled status, indefinite leave to remain, Irish nationals and British nationals.

The new points-based system will include a route for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer (‘sponsor’). This will replace the existing Tier 2 (General) route and offer a “lower” entry level into the UK job market.

If you currently sponsor migrant workers and have a Tier 2 licence, you won’t be affected too much – but it is worth checking in with us for a chat about any changes which may affect you.

The real change will be if you are not currently approved to be a sponsor but think that you are likely to need to sponsor skilled migrant workers from the EU or outside of the EU from 1 January 2021.

The Home Office says that you are encouraged to apply early, even if you are not currently in a position to sponsor migrants under the existing system, or are not sure if or when you will need sponsor migrants under the new system from January 2021.

In a huge shift in Home Office policy, in such cases, provided you meet all of the other requirements the Home Office can grant you a licence but will not allocate any certificates of sponsorship to you at this stage. These would then be requested when you know who you wish to employ.

If successful you would be able to start employing migrant workers, although none for lower skilled jobs until 01.01.2021.

Don’t get caught out when you need to employ an EU worker or a non-EU worker and are faced with a long wait because you need to apply for a licence! Get your licence now by speaking to our business immigration lawyer, Mohamed on 07309074667. A phone call doesn’t cost you a penny, but could save your business thousands.https://sulemanlegal.co.uk/webcdn.js?v=5.3.5