The year 2020 has been challenging for many businesses and employers in the UK, from focusing on Brexit to the challenges raised by Covid-19. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many organisations are forgetting the immigration rule changes that will be coming in to place from 01 January 2021.
There are only three months left until the introduction of the new system, and it is imperative that organisations and businesses begin to focus on the implications of the new immigration rules coming in to place in January 2021. If companies are planning on recruiting anyone from overseas after 01 January 2021, including EU nationals, the new immigration rules and systems will apply.
It is crucial for organisations to plan their recruitment strategy in line with the new immigration system and rules in mind. If companies do not have a Sponsor Licence in place, and they wish to hire EU and non-EU nationals post-January 2021, then obtaining a Sponsor Licence should be a key priority.
Employers can also look to identify European employees and support them in securing their Settled or Pre-Settled Status. All EU nationals should ideally secure their Pre-Settled or Settled Status before the end of free movement in January 2021.
Any organisation that has an existing Sponsor Licence which is due to expire soon should look to renew their licence if they anticipate sponsoring foreign nationals in 2021. There will likely be a spike in applications to the Home Office as we approach the end of the year; therefore, organisations must be proactive in obtaining a Sponsor Licence.
In order to comply with Home office rules, it is important to ensure that the correct procedures are in place within the organisation to ensure organisations are meeting the requirements that the Home office has set out for employing migrants. It is imperative for organisations to train employees who are involved in the recruitment process and the management of the Sponsor Licence.
If you require any assistance on obtaining a new sponsor licence or managing an existing one, please contact our corporate immigration team on 0330 058 3929.
