Receiving a civil penalty for unknowingly employing illegal employees is one of the biggest upsets an employer can face. Often, a Civil Penalty Notice comes after an organisation has received a surprise visit from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officials who discover that, unbeknown to you, non-EEA workers who do not have a valid visa…
Illegal immigration is a hot topic right now. The Conservative government, led by Prime Minister, Theresa May, has steadfastly kept to a manifesto pledge of bringing immigration down into the tens of thousands (a figure which has never been achieved). At A Y & J Solicitors, our focus is on the people at the heart…
Obtaining a Sponsor Licence can be the key to a competitive business edge. It affords employers the opportunity to hire skilled Non-EEA workers for critical positions in the company and can ensure the rapid growth and development of your company. In certain industries, the ability to recruit talent from all over the world, is crucial,…
Tier 2 sponsors are finding it harder to keep their good sponsor ratings as UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) conducts increasing numbers of compliance audits. Statistics show that these audits are leading to more sponsors finding their licences suspended/revoked, and their entire skilled foreign workforce in jeopardy. Now that Article 50 has been triggered and…
There is a great deal of confusion around Tier 2 sponsor licence holders providing non-EEA skilled workers for third-party contracts. The issue is whether sponsors are acting as an employment agency (which is not permitted), or managing workers through contracts held by the company (which is permitted under strict circumstances). An example of unlawfully using…
Having your Tier 2 Sponsor Licence suspended or revoked can have devastating consequences, not only on your business but also on its ability to deliver products and services. In addition, your non-EEA employees may be forced to leave the UK if your Sponsor Licence is revoked, which could have deep consequences for their careers and…
Do you love a good curry? Curry houses are a stalwart British institution and for most people, the hotter, spicier and more authentic the curry, the better. But be warned; thanks to the current British government’s draconian immigration policy, curry houses and other SMEs who rely on migrant workers to thrive are struggling to stay…
Sponsor Licence holders know all too well the challenges of maintaining compliance with UKVI requirements. To add to the pressure, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officials have the power to make announced and unannounced visits to the premises of Sponsor Licence holders at any time. A visit could be undertaken as part of the Home…
