Last week the UK Border Agency published a new, updated version of their "Full guide for employers on preventing illegal working in the UK." This version replaces the previous one published in May 2012.
The main changes include:
- The restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals ending on 31 December 2013;
- Restrictions on Croatian nationals which came into force on 1 July 2013; and
- Information on the UK Border Agency's fast payment option for paying a civil penalty.
The guidance also contains details of an additional circumstance in which a company's Sponsor Licence can be revoked if it receives a civil penalty. You can find the new guide here.
Should you have any questions on the prevention of illegal working or around Sponsor Licence record keeping and obligations, please contact Lynn McCloghry.
Tuberculosis testing
From 31 October 2013, residents of the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay and Haiti who wish to come to the UK for more than six months must be tested for tuberculosis ("TB") before applying for a visa.
If any of your overseas employees or new recruits submit an application at the British Embassy or Visa Application Centre in any of the above listed countries on or after 31 October 2013, they will need to take a TB test if they are applying to come to the UK for six months or longer (unless the applicant is 11 years and younger). Applicants should be aware that this new requirement may delay their application as a visa application can only be submitted with the original TB certificate which may take some time to secure depending on availability of testing appointments.
Should you have any questions, please contact Lynn McCloghry.