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IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has completed its report on the U.K.’s Shortage Occupation List, the first since 2020. While the last two reviews, in 2020 and 2019, called for expansions of the SOL, the MAC this time recommends that the SOL be abolished.
The SOL is the list of skilled jobs for which local workers are deemed to be in shortage. The employers for occupations on the SOL may bypass the U.K.’s minimum general salary threshold of £26,200 for skilled workers and hire non-European Economic Area workers at lower salaries: 80% of the “going rate” in those occupations, £20,960 or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher.
Key Points:
Background: The last MAC review was in September 2020, meaning the new review is the first since the COVID-19 pandemic and the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. The MAC noted that, despite those two factors, the current number of foreign workers in the United Kingdom is the highest in history.
The SOL system is one of the primary ways employers are filling jobs in sectors facing labor shortages. The MAC, however, said that employers should not be allowed to pay below the going rate, which protected resident workers from undercutting wages and reduced exploitation of migrants.
The MAC is an independent group of economists that conducts analysis and makes recommendations to the U.K. government on immigration policy. Its policy recommendations are not binding on the government but are highly influential and often adopted.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group.
Copyright ©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Home Office has enacted significant increases to some immigration fees, effective Oct. 4.
Key Points:
Background: The U.K. government announced these fee increases along with increases in the immigration health surcharge in July. The immigration health surcharge is set to rise by 66%, from £624 per year to £1,035. The government has not announced when the surcharge will go into effect but will likely be in 2024.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group.
The Home Office will enact significant increases to some immigration fees on Oct. 4.
Additional Information: The U.K. government previously announced these immigration fee increases as well as an increase to the immigration health surcharge in July. The immigration health surcharge, set to rise by 66% annually, will go into effect on a date yet to be announced, likely in 2024. More information on these measures is available here. BAL will continue to follow the pending increases and will provide information as it becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Home Office recently announced it will substantially increase fines for employers and landlords who employ or rent to illegal migrants beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
Additional Information: The Home Office encouraged all employers and landlords to verify the eligibility of anyone they employ or to whom they rent property. The U.K. immigration minister said the increased fines are intended to deter migrants from illegally crossing the English Channel by small boats.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Home Office has announced several immigration-related updates, including the submission timeline for the second ballot of the India Young Professionals Scheme, the allowance of 10- and 11-year-old children to use passport eGates, and the end of visa-exempt travel to the United Kingdom from five countries.
Additional Information: As BAL reported last week, the U.K. has also announced significant increases in some immigration fees and the immigration health surcharge. Officials have not yet announced when these measures will take effect, though it is likely they could take effect in Fall 2023. Employers may consider pushing through applications between now and then to take advantage of the current, lower fees. BAL will continue following the pending increases and will provide information as it becomes available.
IMPACT — HIGH
In a recent speech, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced significant increases in some immigration fees and the immigration health surcharge.
Additional Information: Officials have not yet announced when these measures will take effect. The fee increases will be used to help fund pay raises for certain public sector jobs. BAL will continue following the pending increases and will provide information as it becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Home Office announced that the second APAC Youth Mobility Scheme ballot will open on July 24.
BAL Analysis: Eligible nationals of APAC countries will soon be able to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot; however, only a limited allocation of these visas is available. Successful applicants should receive an email by July 31. Those who are unsuccessful in the second ballot will receive an email within two weeks of the ballot closing. BAL will continue to monitor Youth Mobility Scheme developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.
The Home Office announced changes for the information required when adding Level 1 users on the Sponsor Management System.
Additional Information: Requests may be denied for those who do not have a valid reason for not having a NINO or do not provide evidence that they have applied for a NINO.
BAL Analysis: Individuals should add their NINO as soon as possible to avoid possible complications and delays. U.K. authorities are planning to introduce similar requirements for Authorizing Officers and Key Contacts later this year. BAL will provide more information as it is made available.
The Home Office has provided additional guidance for travelers required to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization.
Additional Information: ETA will be valid for two years (or to the expiration date of the applicant’s passport, if sooner) for multiple entry into the country. Individuals who are denied ETA must apply for a Standard Visitor visa, Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa or transit visa. More information regarding ETA is available here.
BAL Analysis: The Home Office is introducing ETA to increase border security and improve travel for those who do not need a visa to enter the country. ETA is set to replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver Scheme, which requires visitors to the United Kingdom from Gulf Cooperation Council countries to pay a higher cost for a single-use visit.
The U.K. Home Office plans to introduce new restrictions to student visa routes to reduce migration.
Beginning in January 2024, authorities plan to:
Additional Information: U.K. authorities do not plan restrictions on graduate visa routes at this time.
BAL Analysis: The new government restrictions to student visa routes aim to cut net migration by restricting the ability for international students to bring family members on all but post-graduate research routes and banning people from using a student visa to work in the United Kingdom.