IMPACT – HIGH

The Home Office is advising sponsors with licenses expiration dates that fall between Nov. 27 and March 31, 2021 that they may submit their license renewal application in advance of the usual 90 days prior to the expiration date of their license.

Key points:

  • The license renewal opening dates for applications run from Aug. 17 to Sept. 28.
  • Level 1 users may view the revised renewal opening date on the “License summary” screen in the Sponsor Management System.
  • License end dates are not affected and sponsors may submit renewal applications up to that end date.
  • Tier 2 sponsors are reminded to confirm that they have paid the correct renewal filing fee.

Additional information: The Home Office is also now resuming audits of future and existing U.K. sponsors after having suspended audits because of the pandemic.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies.

IMPACT – HIGH

The U.K. government has updated their guidance to help employers prepare for the U.K.’s new points-based immigration system, which is scheduled to be introduced on Jan. 1, 2021.

Skilled Workers

From Jan. 1, 2021, free movement for EU citizens will end and the U.K. will introduce a new points-based immigration system. Under the new system, EU citizens and non-EU citizens will be treated equally from an immigration perspective and will need to apply for permission to work in the U.K. before travelling to work. EU citizens living in the U.K. by Dec. 31 are not affected by the new system and they and their family members should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in advance of June 30, 2021.

Irish citizens are exempt from these new rules and may travel to live and work in the U.K. without any restrictions from Jan. 1, 2021.

Under the new system, any EU and non-EU citizens coming to the U.K. to work will need to demonstrate that:

  • They have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor.
  • The job offer is at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A Level and equivalent).
  • They speak English to the required standard.

In addition to the above, the job offer must satisfy the government’s minimum salary threshold. This is the higher of either:

  • The general salary threshold set by the Government on advice of the independent Migration Advisory Committee at £25,600, or
  • The specific salary requirement for their occupation, known as the “going rate.”

Sponsorship License

Employers wishing to recruit EU and non-EU citizens will need to have an existing Sponsorship license or apply for one in advance of recruiting EU and non-EU citizens. This will enable the employer to sponsor the migrant to work at their organization.

Intra-company Transfer

The Intra-company Transfer (ICT) route allows multinational organizations to move key business personnel employed overseas into the U.K. on a temporary basis, on the condition that ICT sponsorship requirements are met. The route will require applicants to be in roles skilled to RQF 6 (graduate level equivalent), and subject to a different minimum salary threshold from the main skilled-worker route.

Immigration Skills Charge

From Jan. 1, 2021, any employer sponsoring an EU and/or non-EU citizen will be required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). Employers must pay £1,000 per skilled worker for the first 12 months, with an additional £500 charge for each subsequent six-month period. Discounted rates will apply to charities and small business.

Global Talent route

Under the new system, the existing Global Talent route will open to EU citizens as it currently applies to non-EU citizens. The purpose of the Global Talent route is to enable the most highly skilled applicants, to achieve the required level of points, to enter the U.K. without a job offer, on the condition that they are endorsed by a recognized U.K. body, who are approved by the Home Office.

An employer will not need to be a Home Office licensed visa sponsor to employ a migrant under the Global Talent route.

Graduate route

Under the new system a Graduate Visa will be available to international students who have completed a degree in the U.K. from summer 2021. The Graduate route will allow international students to remain in the U.K. and work at any skill level for two years after the completion of their course.

An employer will not need to be a Home Office licensed visa sponsor to employ a migrant under the Graduate route.

International students completing a PhD from the summer of 2021 will be permitted to stay in the U.K. for three years after the completion of their studies to live and work.

Analysis & Comments: The new system represents a significant change for employers recruiting from outside the U.K. labor market. Employers should be aware of the new points-based immigration system in advance of its launch and ensure that they put in place sufficient processes and controls so that they are prepared for the new system. The government’s new guidance in full may be found here.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

What is the change? United Kingdom immigration authorities are poised to resume on-site sponsorship compliance visits that were suspended in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does the change mean? Employers should prepare for the possibility of compliance visits, which may be announced or unannounced.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visa types held by employees of an organization which holds a sponsorship licence.
  • Who is affected: All sponsors of foreign workers.
  • Business impact: Employers may wish to review sponsorship obligations to make sure they are compliant ahead of compliance visits.

Background: The U.K. suspended compliance auditing in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials notified sponsors last week that they would be resuming on-site compliance visits shortly. Officers have been instructed to follow Public Health England advice as well as any COVID-19 safety measures companies have put in place themselves.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should note that compliance visits will resume shortly and that such visits may be announced or unannounced. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for country-specific information.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Home Office has published updated information concerning certain visas that may be expiring due to current conditions with COVID-19.

Global Talent Visa

  • Individuals applying for a Global Talent visa may still be eligible if their endorsement from an endorsing body has expired because they have not been able to make an application for a visa. Endorsements will be accepted if it was granted on or after Jan. 24, 2020 and applicants who apply for their visa before Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Applicants who are applying for a Start-up or Innovator visa may still be eligible if their endorsement from an endorsing body has expired because they have not been able to travel to the U.K. The Home Office will consider all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Leave expiring after Sept. 1

  • Individuals whose leave expires after Sept. 1, can submit an application form from within the U.K. where they would normally need to apply for a visa from their home country. Those individuals will need to show an urgent need, pay the fees and meet all normal requirements of the visa.

Biometric enrollment

  • Individuals who have given their fingerprints to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may be able to reuse them. Those individuals will be emailed instructions on how to send an image of their face and supporting documents. If successful, there will be no need for these visa applicants to attend a UKVCAS or an SSC service point appointment to provide biometric information.

Immigration and nationality fees

  • Updated immigration and nationality fees for applications were announced on Aug. 4 and are available here. The Home Office confirmed there will be no impact on a majority of the services apart from the introduction of fees for the Health and Care visa.

Priority and Super Priority Service

  • Priority and super priority and service is now available in some visa application centers, however, it is recommended that visa applicants check with their immigration representative to confirm if they can use this service at the time of application submission.

Additional Information: Most Visa Application Centers have resumed services where local restrictions allow. Those who have immigration queries related to coronavirus may email the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre at through email CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk or by telephone: 0800 678 1767 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has provided additional information on the reopening of visa application centers abroad and guidance for those whose visas expired between Jan. 24 and July 31.

Key Points on visa application centers:

  • Centers are opened this week in the following cities: Georgetown, Islamabad, Karachi, Kingston, La Paz, Lahore, Port of Spain, Rio de Janeiro, Sabah, Sao Paulo, Tehran, Thimphu and Ulaanbaatar.
  • This is the latest round of re-openings. At the beginning of June, visa centers in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand opened their doors.
  • Other centers are still closed, including in the U.S., where no official date has been given for visa center services to resume.
  • As the situation remains fluid, the government continues to review the opening of VACs daily and advises that this be checked with the most up-to-date information on the relevant websites. For Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East: uk.tlscontact.com and for all other countries: vfsglobal.co.uk.
  • Priority and Super Priority Visa services continue to be paused for now in all locations.
  • If an individual’s 30-day visa to work, study or join family has expired, overseas customers can now contact their visa application center to request a replacement. Details of how to do this can be found here.

Key Points on Visa Extensions:

  • Visa holders in the U.K. who could not leave because of COVID-19, had their visas extended to July 31 if their visas expired between Jan. 24 and July 31. They will no longer be able to extend their visa automatically and must take reasonable steps to leave the U.K. or regularize their stay in the U.K. Visa holders who fall into this category will be given an additional month’s grace period within the U.K. (until Aug. 31) to make the necessary arrangements to leave the U.K. Conditions of their stay in the U.K. will remain the same, allowing them to work, study and rent accommodation until Aug. 31.
  • Visa holders who cannot leave the U.K. because of COVID-19 and intend to remain in the country beyond Aug. 31 may request additional time by contacting the coronavirus immigration team.
  • Visa holders may be granted short-term special protection against any adverse action or consequences after their leave has expired by evidencing why they are unable to leave.

Analysis & Comments: The reopening of additional VACs is welcome news, though applicants should be aware that services are limited and some VACs, especially in areas where COVID-19 is not under control, remain closed. Visa holders with visas that expired between Jan. 24 and July 31 should follow the steps listed above. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Home Office has released additional information on the points-based immigration system that will replace free movement for EU/ EEA nationals Jan. 1, 2021, and will apply to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals.

Key Points:

  • The U.K. will introduce a Skilled Worker route to replace the Existing Tier 2 (General) route:
    • Beginning next year, skilled workers must have at least 70 points in order to apply to work in the U.K. All applicants will be required to (1) have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor at (2) the skill level of RQF Level 3 or higher and (3) speak English. Meeting these criteria will give applicants a total of 50 points. To reach 70 points, candidates must earn additional points based on their salary level if the role is recognized as a shortage occupation or by having a Ph.D. in a relevant field.
    • There will be no quota or labor market testing requirement.
    • Existing Tier 2 (General) migrants will be required to apply for Skilled Worker visas if they change employers or jobs or need to extend their stay in the U.K. when the Tier 2 (General) route closes.
    • The standard minimum annual salary will be £25,600; however, the minimum salary threshold can drop below that level for workers in certain health or education jobs, as well as for “new entrants” at the beginning of their career. New entrants will be permitted to earn as little as 70% of what their colleagues in similar positions earn, but must have an annual minimum salary of at least £20,480 per year.
  • The new Skilled Worker Health and Care Visa will allow doctors, nurses and other overseas health professionals to be eligible for fast-track entry, reduced fees and additional support in the application process.
  • There will be changes to the Rules for Intra-Company Transfers (ICT). Under “cooling off” rules for intra-company transfers, foreign nationals will not be eligible to maintain ICT status for more than five years in a six-year period, except where they qualify on the basis of their salary for up to nine years. The ICT route will still require applicants to be in roles skilled to RQF6 and there will be no English requirement. Applicants must have been employed by the sending business for at least 12 months prior to the date of the transfer (or three months in the case of Graduate Trainees). The policy statement also suggests it may be possible to switch from the ICT route (which does not provide a path to settlement) into the Skilled Worker route from within the U.K.
  • The new Graduate Route, which will allow international students to stay and work in the U.K., will be established next summer. This will allow foreign graduates of U.K. universities to remain in the U.K. and work for two years (three for Ph.D. holders). Visa holders in this category will be able to work at any skill level and have the opportunity to switch to other routes once they find a long-term job.
  • There will be no specific route for lower-skilled workers.
  • An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-free travelers will be phased in by 2025. This will require all foreign nationals (except Irish nationals) to apply ahead of time to enter the U.K. prior to travel.
  • The new points system will not apply to EU nationals already in the U.K. by Dec. 31, 2020. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals in the U.K. must apply for permission to remain in the U.K. under the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021. Applicants who have been in the U.K. for less than five years will receive Pre-Settled Status for another five years. Applicants who have been in the U.K. for five years will receive Settled Status, which grants permanent leave to remain in the U.K.
  • The new points system will not apply to Irish nationals, who will be able to continue freely working in and traveling to the U.K. under Ireland and the U.K.’s Common Travel Area arrangements.

Background: The information released this week builds on information the Home Office published in its policy paper earlier this year.

Analysis & Comments: The latest update from the Home Office is welcome news, as it gives a better picture of the new points-based system and how it will operate, providing more details to help U.K. companies plan for recruitment, talent acquisition and staff retention after free movement ends. Employers are reminded that under the transition period, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who are living in the U.K. as of the end of 2020 must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021. Any EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who have not been living in the U.K. by Dec. 31, 2020 will fall under the new points-based system. Employers must also consider that there will be new prescribed methods for conducting Right to Work checks for European nationals from Jan. 1, 2021. Deloitte will provide additional updates on the transition to the new immigration system as further information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

As of July 13, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will begin a phased resumption of services and will re-open Premium Application Centres (PAC) in the U.S.

Key Points:

  • Applicants who were unable to attend an earlier appointment can now log in to their account and make a new appointment.
  • Those who have completed their application on GOV.UK but did not book a PAC appointment can now do so.
  • An appointment is necessary to visit a PAC.
  • When visiting a PAC, applicants must practice social distancing and wear a face mask.
  • Limited appointments for U.K. visa services will be available, as of July 13, at select USCIS Application Support Centers (ASC). Please visit the website for further information on ASC openings.

Additional information: The Seattle PAC remains closed at this time. Additionally, the Los Angeles PAC has a new address: 8530 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 420, Beverly Hills, CA, 90211.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has eased the self-isolation policy for travelers entering England and has introduced travel corridor exemptions.

Key Points:

  • As of July 10, those entering England from select countries may not have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
  • Those traveling from the Common Travel Area (Channel Islands, Ireland and Isle of Man) and British Overseas Territories are also generally exempt from self-isolation.
  • Those transiting through countries not on the list will have to enter 14-day self-isolation if anyone on the flight disembarks or if passengers from the transit country embark on the same flight.
  • Travelers to the U.K., including U.K. residents (except those from Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) must complete a passenger locator form before arrival. There may be other reasons this form will not need to be completed which can be found here.

Additional information: Travel restrictions for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are published by their respective devolved governments.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Effective July 1, a temporary Global Talent visa concession is available as part of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) endorsed funder route for those undertaking COVID-19 research in the U.K. The Global Talent visa is an immigration category for talented individuals in specific sectors wishing to work in the U.K. The Global Talent visa replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa earlier this year.

Key Points:

  • Applicants under this concession will be required to meet the full UKRI endorsed funder requirements with the exception that:
    • Written confirmation from the endorsed funder must confirm the grant of award covers a minimum period of one year instead of two years.
    • Employment contract or hosting agreement of the applicant must have at least one year (instead of two years) remaining at the time of the application for endorsement.
  • The letter from the employer or host institution should also confirm that applicants are working on a COVID-19-related grant and provide the corresponding unique database reference number from the UK Collaborative on Development Research COVID-19 Research Project Tracker, or equivalent evidence. For further details, please see UKRI’s website.
  • Applicants who are successfully endorsed under this concession and are already in the U.K. will be able to switch into the route from any category. This replaces the standard switching requirements.
  • In all other respects, the Global Talent application will remain the same. For applicants who are endorsed, there will be no difference in the requirements to be granted entry clearance or leave to remain, and any grant of leave received will be under the normal Global Talent Immigration Rules. This means applicants endorsed under the concession may request a five-year grant of leave and would be eligible for settlement after three years.

Additional information: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Eleven U.K. visa centers in India are set to open next week.

Key Points:

  • The following U.K. visa centers in India are reopening from July 6:
    • Ahmedabad
    • Bengaluru (Global Tech Park)
    • Chandigarh
    • Chennai (see note below)
    • Cochin
    • Hyderabad
    • Jalandhar
    • Kolkata
    • Mumbai (South)
    • New Delhi
    • Pune.
  • Individuals will not be able to visit the Chennai application center until local lockdown restrictions in Tamil Nadu are lifted.
  • The VFS booking system should be available this week for scheduling appointments. It should be possible to rebook appointments that were canceled when the centers closed initially because of the pandemic by logging into the system.
  • The remaining Indian Visa Application Centres may not be open for some time. Applicants who had previously booked appointments at these centres may be able to arrange appointments at the locations that are now reopening.

Analysis & Comments: The reopening of the 11 U.K. visa centers in India is good news for employers who have employees in India needing to submit visa applications to the U.K. However, companies still need to consider other related strategic factors such as relocation availability, quarantine requirements and travel out of India. It should also be noted that visa processing times will be potentially delayed due to the backlog. Your Deloitte professional can support you navigating this complex landscape.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.