HR Articles

On Wednesday, the government announced its intentions to double the number of visas to individuals who show promise in the technology, science, art and creative industries. Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed that the number of visas available through the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route will increase from 1,000 to 2,000 a year.

Last night, Theresa May confirmed that the EU Withdrawal Bill would be amended to formally commit to Brexit at 23:00 GMT on 29 March 2019.

Some international students from outside the EEA are allowed to work in the UK, depending on the conditions of their visas. Where they are permitted to work, students can work part time during their studies, full time during vacation periods and any period of time between completing their studies and the expiry of their student visa. Employers wishing to take on such students should be aware of the additional right to work checks required.

Tier 2 sponsors are required to fulfil certain duties throughout the duration of their sponsor licence. Failure to comply with any of the sponsor duties, is likely to lead to a licence being suspended or in a worst-case scenario revoked and sponsored workers seeing their leave curtailed.

Sponsor licence holders are all too familiar with the challenges of maintaining compliance with UKVI requirements. All sponsors should expect a compliance visit at some point and any visit should be taken very seriously!

An award winning Indian restaurant in Wales has re-opened after being temporarily closed down by immigration officers. Yasmin’s, which has won various curry awards over the years, was shut down last week following an immigration raid which found the owners had failed to carry out the prescribed right to work checks.

This afternoon, Theresa May delivered a “landmark” speech in Italy confirming she wants a 2 year transition period with no change to current market access or rules. Speaking ahead of Brexit talks which are due to resume on Monday, May thanked European nationals living in the UK for their contribution and promised that their rights will be protected and they could “carry on” living their lives as before.

Clarkslegal's immigration lawyers have recently seen an increase in enquiries from successful overseas business owners who wish to establish a business presence in the UK. Such individuals have explored the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa route but either do not want to live in the UK or do not wish to make a large investment, such as the £200,000 required under the Entrepreneur route.

The Guardian has obtained a copy of a leaked document setting out the government’s proposals on post-Brexit immigration.

One of London’s top curry houses, Tayyabs, has re-opened following a 48 hour shutdown by immigration enforcement officers for allegedly employing illegal workers. Family owned Punjabi restaurant Tayyabs closed on Tuesday following an immigration raid which found some of its 40 employees did not have the correct permission to work in the UK.