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Home Office Publications for UK Businesses Recruiting Internationally – 1 March 2021

The Home Office has published the following information in light of the fact that freedom of movement with the EU has ended and the UK has introduced a points-based immigration system.

It reminds businesses that they now need to register as a licensed sponsor to hire most people living outside the UK and must check that they meet certain job, salary and language requirements.

This does not apply when hiring Irish citizens, or EU citizens already living in the UK by 31 December 2020. They and their family members are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme and have until 30 June 2021 to make an application. Employers may want to encourage any EU citizens to avail of the settlement scheme.

As a transition measure for the period up to 30 June 2021, employers should continue to accept the valid passports and national identity cards of all EU citizens as evidence of their right to work.

To assist UK businesses who are thinking of recruiting from outside the UK, the Home Office has issued new publications that include:

  • Workforce and Labour Supply Handbook– The Home Office, in partnership with the Association of Labour Providers (ALP), has created this to help employers and providers of contingent labour, understand the new immigration system and ensure compliance with right to work legislation for both existing workers and new recruits.
  • The Right to Work Leaflet– which employers can share to clarify requirements to EU employees provides information for individuals on their rights and obligations depending on when they arrived in the UK.

Become a Licensed Visa Sponsor

If you’re not already a licensed sponsor and you think you’ll want to sponsor workers, for instance, through the Skilled Worker route, the Home Office recommends that you should apply now. Fees apply and allow around 8 weeks for your licence to be processed; for an additional fee, businesses can be fast-tracked to receive a decision within 10 days.

Further information from the Home Office on the points-based immigration system and the available routes is available in the employer immigration guide at GOV.UK