IMPACT – HIGH

As of June 22, many visa application centres (VAC) will reopen abroad. Additionally, the government has updated visa extensions.

Application Centres:

• The following VACs will reopen by June 22:
  • Africa: Banjul and Tunis.
  • Asia: Bandar Seri Begawan, Changsha, Chengdu, Chiang Mai, Danang, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Osaka, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Tokyo, Wuhan and Xi’an.
  • Europe: Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Geneva, Lisbon, Madrid and Paris.
  • Middle East: Adana, Alexandria, Amman, Ankara, Baku, Bursa, Cairo, Gaziantep, Istanbul and Izmir.
  • Oceania: Auckland.
• For more information on which VACs are open, see the following websites:
  • Countries in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East: uk.tlscontact.com
  • All other countries: vfsglobal.co.uk.
• As of June 1, the following UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres have reopened: Birmingham, Birmingham Premium Lounge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Exeter, Leeds, London Mark Lane Premium Lounge, London Victoria, Manchester Fountain Street Enhanced Service Point, Manchester Premium Lounge, Sheffield and Southampton. Click here for more information.
• Some English Testing Centres are also resuming services. Individuals are advised to visit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)’s website, the Pearson Test of English website or the LanguageCert website, or contact their testing center for more information on reopening and how they can book their Secure English Language Test.
• Service and Support Centres remain temporarily closed owing to COVID-19.
• The immigration status of those who are unable to attend their appointment will not change.

Visa Extensions: 

• Visas are extended until July 31 for those who are legally in the U.K. and whose visa expired or will expire between Jan. 24 and July 31. Those who have already had their visa extended until May 31 will have their visa automatically extended to July 31. Those whose visa is expiring between Jan. 24 and July 31 can apply to switch to a long-term visa until July 31, including those who would normally have to apply outside the U.K. Those who were planning to leave the U.K. and whose visa is expiring must contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT). Note, this only applies to those who already in the U.K. and not those who are abroad and need to extend their U.K. status.
• Some frontline health workers and their dependents will have their visas automatically extended.

U.K. Border Exemptions:

U.K. Border rule exemptions have been extended to Scotland, and some travelers will be exempt from the new border rules, meaning they may not need to provide their journey/contact details or self-isolate for 14 days after they arrive. Self-isolation rules and penalties differ for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

• A small number of people travelling to the U.K. to maintain essential supply chains, critical national infrastructure, to contribute to crisis response or other essential government work, will not need to self-isolate or provide contact details.
• Registered health or care professionals travelling to the U.K. to provide essential healthcare, including where this is not related to Coronavirus, must self-isolate for 14 days.
• Frequent travelers for work who live in the U.K. but work in another country and travel between the U.K. and the country of work at least once a week; and/or live outside the U.K. but work in the U.K. and travel between their country of residence and the U.K. at least once a week, must self-isolate for 14 days. Further information can be found here.

Other Updates:

• Those working or volunteering for the NHS as a doctor, nurse or paramedic are no longer limited to how many hours they can work, provided they are a:
  • Tier 4 student.
  • Tier 2 worker whose NHS job is a second job.
  • Visiting academic researcher.
  • Short-term visa holder permitted to volunteer.

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

Some UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres will open for existing customers on June 1.

Key Points:

• The following service points will be open as of June 1: Birmingham, Birmingham Premium Lounge, Chelmsford, Croydon, Exeter, Leeds, London Mark Lane Premium Lounge, London Victoria, Manchester Fountain Street Enhanced Service Point, Manchester Premium Lounge, Sheffield and Southampton.
• Appointments cannot currently be booked at a UKVCAS service points. Only those with an existing appointment are eligible to use the services at one of the UKVCAS Centres that are reopening. Those with an existing appointment will be contacted.
• Service and Support Centres (SSCs) remain temporarily closed because of COVID-19.

Background: The Home Office closed all visa application centers in March to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

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

As of June 8, there will be new rules for residents and visitors entering the U.K.

Key Points:

• Those entering the U.K. must provide journey and contact details via an online form before traveling.
• Those entering must self-isolate for 14 days after entering the U.K. except for the following exceptions:
  • Anyone moving from within the Common Travel Area, i.e., Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
  • Medical professionals traveling to help combat coronavirus.
  • Seasonal Agricultural Workers who will self-isolate on the property where they will work.
  • Road haulage and freight workers (to ensure the supply of goods is not affected).

Additional information: Those traveling from June 8 onward must check the latest public health advice on the coronavirus before they travel and after entering the U.K. Travelers should also download the NHS contact tracing app from the same website once it is available. Travelers entering the U.K. who refuse to provide contact details may be fined £100; those who refuse to self-isolate in England and Wales may be fined £1,000.

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 announced visa extensions and other measures to ease immigration requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

• Leave will be extended to July 31 for those whose leave expires between Jan. 24 and July 31, and who are unable to return to their home country because of COVID-19 travel restrictions or quarantine. UKVI has set up a COVID-19 immigration team email to assist with the visa extension process. Visas that were previously extended to May 31 will be extended automatically to July 31.
• The Home Office is temporarily expanding in-country switching provisions until July 31 for those wishing to apply for a visa to stay in the U.K. long-term, e.g., from Tier 4 (Student) to Tier 2 (General Worker), while remaining in the U.K. This includes visa applications that must usually be submitted from the applicant’s home country (where leave expires between Jan. 24 and July 31).

Additional information: The Home Office will continue to review the situation and may extend the current date accordingly. For more information and advice regarding immigration and the COVID-19 virus, visit the gov.uk website.

Analysis & Comments: The extension policy is good news for employers and their foreign national employees, as it should lessen compliance concerns amid travel restrictions and quarantine measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign nationals who avail themselves of the visa extension policy, however, are reminded that they must return to their home country as soon as possible once travel restrictions are lifted. 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 Home Office has updated its guidance for foreign nationals outside the U.K. whose recently approved 30-day entry visa to work, study or join family in the U.K. has expired or is due to expire.

Key Points:

• If the 30-day visa to travel to the U.K. has expired or is due to expire, a replacement visa can be requested free of charge until the end of 2020; however, foreign nationals cannot travel on an expired vignette and must follow the steps outlined below.
• Those affected are required to contact the Home Office’s Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre via email. The visa applicant’s name, nationality, date of birth and the ‘GWF’ visa application reference number must be provided. The subject line of the email must be entitled “REPLACEMENT 30 DAY VISA.”
• Affected applicants will be contacted once visa centers reopen to allow the replacement 30-day visa to be endorsed in the passport.
• Once they arrive in the U.K. on the re-issued 30-day visa label, they will be able to collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The guidance confirms any such individuals will not be penalized for late collection of the BRP while the COVID-19 measures are in place.

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 Home Office has released a guide for employers as it prepares to switch to a new points-based immigration system next year. The system will replace free movement for EU nationals. The Home Office reminded employers that they will need to be approved sponsors to recruit EU workers beginning Jan. 1. Applications for EU nationals planning on migrating to the U.K. on or after Jan. 1, 2021, will be accepted this fall.

The key points in the guide are as follows:

• The points system will not apply to EU nationals already in the U.K. on Dec. 31, 2020. EU nationals in the U.K. before next year must apply for the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30, 2021. The new points system will not apply to them and they will retain free movement.
• The new points system for skilled workers will be introduced Jan. 1, 2021. Beginning next year, skilled workers will need to reach at least 70 points on a new points system 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 RFQ 3 or higher and (3) speak English. Meeting these criteria will leave an applicant with a total of 50 points. To reach 70 points, candidates must earn additional points based on their salary level, working in a shortage occupation or having a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Points will be allocated as follows:

Characteristics	Tradeable	Points
Offer of job by approved sponsor	No	20
Job at appropriate skill level	No	20
Speaks English at required level	No	10
Salary of £20,480 to £23,039	Yes	0
Salary of £23,040 to £25,599	Yes	10
Salary of £25,600 or above	Yes	20
Job in a shortage occupation, as designated by the MAC	Yes	20
Education qualification: Ph.D. relevant to the job	Yes	10
Education qualification: STEM Ph.D. relevant to the job	Yes	20

• Employers can check online to see if a job meets the required skill level. Employers can use the ONS Occupation Coding Tool to find the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for a given job. They can then check Appendix J of the Immigration Rules for the current skill levels for SOC codes. The Home Office said the U.K.’s immigration rules will be updated to expand the number of jobs that can be filled through the Skilled Worker route. Additional information is expected in the coming months.
• The Global Talent route will open to highly skilled EU nationals on Jan. 1. Highly skilled workers who meet the required number of points under this route will be able to enter the U.K. without a job offer it they are endorsed by the relevant body. The Home Office said that in the long-term an unsponsored route will be developed for highly skilled workers, allowing for a small number of the most skilled applicants to come to the U.K. without a job offer.
• There will be no specific route for lower-skilled workers. The Home Office said, however, that the new immigration system for skilled workers will offer employers greater flexibility on salary and skills requirements. Officials also noted that employers will be able to hire lower-skilled workers through the youth mobility scheme.
• Other routes for scientists, graduates and NHS workers will be established. These routes will also be designed to provide employers with additional flexibility, the Home Office said. Additional information is expected in the coming months.
• Employers will need to be approved sponsors to recruit EU workers beginning Jan. 1. To become approved sponsors, employers must (1) check if their business is eligible; (2) determine what type of license they want to obtain (i.e., Tier 2 – skilled workers with long-term job offers, Tier 5 – skilled temporary workers, or both); (3) identify employees who will manage the sponsorship; and (4) apply and pay a fee online. Additional information is available here.
• Applications for the new immigrations will be accepted beginning in fall 2020. Applicants will apply and pay visa fees online. Those in the U.K. as visitors will not be able to apply for visas while in the country.

Additional information: EU nationals will not need a visa to enter the U.K. as visitors. Those planning on coming as migrants will be required to apply for a visa online and go to a Visa Application Centre to have their biometrics taken. EU nationals will be permitted to use e-gates when entering the U.K., though this policy will remain under review. During a six-month transition period, employers, landlords and public service providers will accept passports and national ID cards from EU nationals as evidence of permission to work in the U.K. This transition period will end June 30, 2021. Failing to leave the U.K. after leave has expired, or failing to leave on time, will impact an individual’s migration status and may negatively affect future interactions with U.K. immigration authorities.

Analysis & Comments: The Home Office guidance provides a blueprint for U.K. companies to plan for recruitment, talent acquisition and retention after free movement ends. Employers are reminded that under the transition period, EU 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. Deloitte will provide additional updates on the transition to the new immigration system as 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

The Home Office has updated its guidance for sponsors of Tier 2, 4 and 5 visas in light of the COVID-19 situation. Additional updates have been issued for Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Global Talent, Start-up and Innovation visa applicants.

Key points:

Salary reductions

• Employers who have suspended or reduced operations because of coronavirus may temporarily reduce the pay of sponsored employees to 80% of their salary or £2,500 per month, whichever is less.
• Any salary reductions must be part of a company-wide policy to avoid layoffs that treats all workers the same.
• These salary reductions must be temporary and the employee’s pay must return to at least previous levels once these arrangements have ended.
• The Home Office has confirmed that payments through the Job Retention Scheme do not count as public funds for immigration purposes.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• If a sponsor has already issued a CoS and the employee has not yet applied for a visa, they will still be able to apply for a visa, and the Home Office will not automatically refuse cases where the start date changes. For example, the Home Office may accept on a case-by-case basis a CoS which has expired because the employee was unable to travel because of coronavirus.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders

• Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders whose business has been disrupted because of coronavirus will no longer need to employ at least two people for 12 consecutive months each. They may count multiple employees across different months to make up the 12-month period.
• Time when the employees were furloughed will not count towards the 12-month period.
• Those unable to employ staff for 12 months total by the time their visa expires will be allowed to temporarily extend their stay to give them time to meet the requirement.

Global Talent, Start-up and Innovator visas

• Individuals applying for Global Talent, Start-up or Innovator visas whose endorsement from an endorsing body has expired because they are unable to travel to the U.K. may still be eligible for a visa. Those individuals should continue to submit their applications, and the Home Office will consider all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Fees for 2020

• There will be no increase to Home Office application fees this year.

Analysis & Comments: The updates provide important guidance for sponsors and offer flexibility to employers facing temporary reductions or suspension of services or delayed start dates of employees because of COVID-19. Deloitte is closely following developments and will report additional measures or clarifications as 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

The Home Office has announced that in-country immigration-related processes deemed “non-essential” are suspended because of office closures.

Key Points:

•  All Visa Application Centres in the U.K. are closed until further notice.
• There will be no penalties for failure to attend a pre-booked online appointment or being unable to book an appointment. Those who booked an online appointment should receive an email canceling the appointment.
• While applications under the EU Settlement Scheme can still be made online using the “EU Exit ID Document check app,” the postal route for submitting identity evidence is suspended. Documents sent by post cannot be accepted at this time.
• Visiting the Overseas Visitors Records Office (OVRO) to register under the Police Registration Scheme is suspended. Those returning to their home country before completing registration should not face any difficulties when re-entering the U.K.
• Life in the UK test centers are closed until April 13. For those who have booked an appointment, these will be rescheduled automatically to a date after April 13.
• English language test centers are temporarily closed with the earliest appointment available mid-April, which could be subject to cancellation.

Additional information: Last week, the government announced that it would be extending visas for those unable to return to their home country because of COVID-19 related travel restrictions/quarantines.

Analysis & Comments: The suspension policy is good news for employers, as it will ease immigration requirements for affected foreign national employees and their dependents. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has made temporary adjustments to ease requirements for right to work checks.

Key Points:

• Right to work checks can now officially be completed over video calls.
• Job applicants and current workers can send scans or photographs of documents for right to work checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals.
• Employers should use the Employer Checking Service for prospective or current employees who are unable to provide documents for the right to work check. If the employee has a right to work, the service will send the employer a Positive Verification Notice that will provide a statutory excuse valid for six months.
• For employees/applicants with a current Biometric Residence Permit/Biometric Residence Card or EU Settlement Scheme status employers can use the online right to work checking service during a video call. Employees/applicants must give the employer permission to view their details.
• Once the temporary measures are lifted, employers must conduct retroactive right to work checks for employees who either began working during the temporary measures or required a follow-up check within eight weeks of the COVID-19 measures ending. The government will make an announcement when this occurs.

Additional information: Employers carrying out virtual right to work checks must have employees send a scan or photograph of their original documents and then have them hold up the original documents to the camera during a video call. Employers can check the gov.uk website for more information on right to work checks and employer obligations during COVID-19 measures.

Analysis & Comments: The ability to carry out virtual right to work checks is good news for employers, as it will allow them to complete the process while adhering to social distancing and self-isolation requirements. Please contact your Deloitte representative should you have any questions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has announced visa extensions and other measures to ease immigration requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

• Leave has been extended to May 31 for those whose leave expires between Jan 24 and May 31, and who are unable to return to their home country because of COVID-19 travel restrictions or quarantine.
• The Home Office is temporarily expanding in-country switching provisions until May 31 for those wishing to apply for a visa to stay in the U.K. long term, e.g., from Tier 4 (Student) to Tier 2 (General Worker), while remaining in the U.K.
• Visa sponsors may allow non-EU nationals currently in the U.K. for study or work to study or work from home.
• Many U.K. Visa Application Centres (VAC) abroad remain closed or are offering limited services. Appointments for applicants at a VAC that is now closed will be canceled. Affected applicants in Europe, the Middle East and Africa can contact TLS contact, and all other applicants abroad can contact VFS global for more information.
• British nationals abroad who require a passport, and whose local VAC is closed, can apply for an emergency travel document should they need to travel urgently.

Additional information: The Home Office will continue to review the situation and may extend the current date accordingly. UKVI has set up a COVID-19 immigration team to assist with the visa-extension process, and those whose visa has expired can contact the team via email for help with their extension. Deloitte can also support with this process. For more information and advice regarding immigration and the COVID-19 virus, visit the gov.uk website.

Analysis & Comments: The visa extension policy is good news for employers and their foreign national employees, as it should lessen compliance concerns amid travel restrictions and quarantine measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign nationals who avail themselves of the visa extension policy, however, are reminded that they must return to their home country as soon as possible once travel restrictions are lifted. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.