Despite the uncertainty introduced by Brexit and the general election, overseas investors into the UK may find it easier to bring staff to the UK under recent changes to the immigration rules.
No need to advertise role for some recent sponsors
Under the changes, certain overseas investor companies will not have to meet the Resident Labour Market Test when granting a certificate of sponsorship (akin to a work permit). That means the company will not have to advertise the role externally before issuing a certificate, making the process considerably quicker and simpler. This is on condition that the employer:
- has obtained a sponsor licence in the previous three years;
- is part of an overseas business; and
- has either created a minimum of 21 new UK jobs, or has made an inward investment with capital expenditure of at least £27 million.
Intra-company transfer requirements relaxed
Where an employer wishes to bring staff into the UK under the Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (“ICT”) route, some requirements have also been relaxed:
- lower salary threshold for long stayers: the salary threshold for senior employees allowing them to stay for up to 9 years (rather than the standard 5 years) is reduced from £155,300 to £120,000 per annum;
- removal of prior service requirement for high earners: employees transferring under the ICT route who earn above £73,900 are no longer required to have worked for the company for at least 12 months previously.
How we can help?
The outcome of the Brexit referendum and the UK general election may result in changes to the business immigration environment. For now, however, these rule changes create significant opportunities for overseas investors to bring staff to the UK.
Abbiss Cadres offer a full expert global mobility service, including business immigration, to help you move your staff to where you need them, wherever in the world that may be. For further information, contact Jonathan Martin on +44 (0)20 3051 5711 or at jonathan.martin@abbisscadres.com.
You can also view our Global Mobility brochure here.
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