The UK Border Agency has launched an advertising campaign urging employers who wish to employ foreign workers from outside of the EEA or Switzerland to apply for a sponsor licence now. There has been a lot of media attention surrounding this – are you ready?
The phased introduction of the Agency’s new Australian style points-based system for migrants began in February of this year with the introduction of Tier 1 (highly skilled workers) and the Sponsor’s Register. Under the five tiered system, migrants will need to pass a points based assessment before they are given permission to enter or remain in the UK. In addition, employers wishing to recruit a migrant under the system will need to register with the Agency as a sponsor beforehand in order to obtain a licence. In order to retain their licence, sponsors will need to alert the Agency if migrants do not comply with their immigration conditions (e.g. if they disappear or do not turn up for their job).
Tiers 2 (skilled workers) and 5 (temporary workers) will open at the end of November this year. Employers who want to bring in migrant workers under one of these tiers must apply for a sponsor licence by no later than 1 October 2008. Those who register successfully will be able to sponsor new foreign workers or support those already in the UK who want to stay.
The message is clear: if you want to employ foreign workers from outside of the EEA or Switzerland you must apply for your sponsor licence by 1 October 2008.
For more information on the points based system and sponsorship please click here.
E-Source subscribers can click here for more information on Business Immigration or alternatively, please contact Suzy Haydon, Emma McLennan or Harry Parker.