Migrate UK

15/10/2021

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) were asked to undertake a review of the Intra-Company Transfer route back in September 2020.

The MAC has finished its review and published a summary on 13 October 2021.

The ICT route exists alongside the Skilled Worker route within the current points-based immigration system. It allows international businesses to move existing key employees, such as senior managers or specialists to their UK branch or head office.

As a result of the review recommendations made by the MAC included amongst others all thresholds for the ICT and other work routes to be updated annually and allowing ICT migrants to settle in the UK.

Some concerns have been raised regarding allowances, in particular housing costs that can be included in the assessment of the salary threshold. This has led to a recommendation recommended that the Home Office collects and monitors data to check compliance with the current rules.

https://migrate-uk.com/review-of-the-intra-company-transfer-route/

27/08/2021

The end date for the temporary adjustments allowing digital checks has been extended from 1 September 2021 to 5 April 2022.

Employers can continue to accept scanned copies or photos of documents via email or a mobile app then arrange a video call with the worker – ask them to hold up the original documents to the camera and check them against the digital copy of the documents.

Checks continue to be necessary and must continue to check the prescribed documents set out in right to work checks: an employer’s guide or use Employer Checking Service.

https://migrate-uk.com/digital-right-to-work-checks-extended-until-april-2022/

27/07/2021

Wednesday 30 June 2021, was the deadline for applications to the for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020.

From 1 July 2021 must check if their new hires have a valid UK immigration status to be in the UK, either through the EU Settlement Scheme or through a valid visa.

Those still awaiting a decision on their application or with an outstanding appeal against a decision to refuse status, maintain their right to live and work in the UK until their application is determined.

Individuals who failed to submit their application by 30 June 2021 can still submit an application within a reasonable further period of time if they had reasonable grounds for the failure to respect the deadline.
https://migrate-uk.com/settlement-scheme-deadline-has-passed/

16/07/2021

Check out our second episode of our Talking Immigration Podcast called "Recruiting Under The New Immigration Rules" where we discuss:

1. The current state of the recruitment market including how the rising war on talent has led to a candidate driven market

2. Call to action to obtain a sponsor licence following the end of the freedom of movement transition period for EEA and Swiss citizens from 1st July 2021

3. Sponsor licenses and compliance including tips and guidance on how to obtain plus retain a sponsor licence & your legal responsibilities as a sponsor licence holder

4. Understanding the right to work checks: What are the latest updates and the common problems employers face.

https://migrate-uk.com/podcast/

To find out more get in touch on 01235841568 or [email protected]

11/05/2021

Recent changes to the route allow certain applicants to bypass the endorsement criteria if they hold a prestigious prize listed as eligible.

Those with prestigious awards from across the science, humanities, engineering, the arts and digital technology will be allowed to sidestep new immigration controls to secure three-year visas.

Applications can be submitted from 5th May 2021 by eligible individuals.

https://migrate-uk.com/fast-track-global-talent-route-for-prestigious-award-winners/

To find out if you qualify contact a member of our team on 01235841568 or [email protected]

28/04/2021

If you are looking for information on how the new Immigration Rules can affect and listen to our podcast.

In this first episode, we:

- Update and inform businesses and on immigration law changes since Brexit and in light of the March 2021 Budget & the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, with changes coming into force on 6th April 2021

- Confirm how HR/ can best prepare for these changes

- Provide information on the new immigration route for and latest information relating to the proposed ‘ elite / science superstar’ visa

- Discuss the training and advice that’s available to and HR to help navigate through the complexities of the rules and changes ahead.
https://migrate-uk.com/podcast/

16/04/2021

Latest update to the Points-Based System require certain Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5 workers to obtain an ATAS certificate before they can submit their to enter or stay in the UK.

To find out if you need to meet this requirement click https://migrate-uk.com/changes-to-immigration-rules-hr-compliance-2021/ or get in touch with us on 01235 841 568 or [email protected]

16/04/2021

Our managing director Jonathan Beech spoke to People Management magazine about the advantages of the new visa route for , the removal of the Resident Labour Market Test for the and the removal of the cooling off period for workers.
To find out more click https://migrate-uk.com/brexit-and-new-immigration-rules-2021/
If you would like further information on the new law and how they may affect your compliance processes or your get in touch with a member of our team on 01235 841 568 or [email protected]

31/03/2021

On 23rd March 2021 the government have further extended the COVID-19 concessions for those who intend to leave the UK but are unable to and for those who are applying to enter the UK or remain on the basis of family or private life.

To find out more or if you require assistance with submitting your request for entry clearance, further leave to remain or exceptional assurance please get in touch with a member of our team on [email protected] or 01235841568.

https://migrate-uk.com/covid-19-concession-extended-again/

31/03/2021

The Hong Kong visa was successfully launched on 31 January 2021. Thousands of BN(O) citizens and their eligible family members have applied since to live, work and study in the UK under this visa.

Initially, individuals had to finalise their application by attending a Centre to provide their biometric data. However, on 23 February 2021 the Home Office have digitalized the application process allowing UK and overseas applications to be submitted via the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app.

If you are a BN(O) status holder currently in the UK on a visa or 6 months visit visa that has expired between 1 July 2020 and 31 January 2021 you can switch into a BN(O) visa.
Be quick though as you have only until 31 March 2021 to apply.
https://migrate-uk.com/hong-kong-bno-visa-updated-to-fully-digital-process-2021/

05/03/2021

Our MD Jonathan Beech commented on the new elite visa scheme in PERSONNEL TODAY stating it could be similar to the old ‘Tier 1 General’ or ‘Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.'

Previously specialists needed to score points in designated areas, such as age, English language, work experience, qualifications, earnings and maintenance.

The difference this time is that this will be for specific jobs only. The scheme would need to outline the job codes it will cover. Workers would be expected to be independent so they can swap and move employers to match their talents.

The UK government is set to introduce an ‘elite points-based visa’, a further component of its drive to revamp the immigration system post-Brexit.

05/03/2021

Our MD Jonathan Beech has been asked by PeopleManagement to comment on the chancellor's announcement regarding the new elite scheme as well as the Global Mobility Visa and upcoming reviews to the Global Talent and Innovator routes. To find out more click

Budget 2021: People Management magazine asks Jonathan Beech for his analysis of the new policies for employers.